Gordon Kay, second from right with, from left, team leader Adrian Cottrell, chairman Michael Sain and previous team leader Arthur Littlefair

A veteran mountain rescuer has retired after 30 years with his team.

Gordon Kay was presented with a long-service certificate by Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team to mark the achievement.

A team spokesperson said: “Gordon Kay has been team member for 30 years, since moving into the area after a successful career navigating with the RAF.

“He was the team’s first training officer, a position held for 16 years, with a reputation for setting challenging exercises. He was a deputy leader for 20 years and secretary for many years of what was then the East Cumbria Search Panel.”

Mr Kay is also well known locally as a musician. He joined Kirkby Stephen Silver Band even before the mountain rescue team, playing the trombone for 10 years, then conducting, and more recently playing the euphonium. He still plays trombone with a few orchestras and big band jazz groups. He is also a member of Kendal Model Railway Club, with model buildings and scenic work being his main interests.

Rescue team chairman Michael Saint said: “Gordon’s deep experience of both hillwalking and navigation has been much appreciated in so many aspects of the team’s training and callouts.

“We have been very lucky to have him as a team member. His love of the outdoors will continue to be nurtured as he carries on walking the mountains of the Lakes and Pennines and further afield.”