Ray Griffiths of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team

Mountain rescuers have been recognised in the New Year Honours.

Broadcaster and author Eric Robson has also been appointed an OBE.

Mike Margeson of Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team gained an OBE for his services to mountain rescue. Mr Margeson, of Kirkby-in-Furness, is a former team leader and is also vice-chairman and operational lead for the national body, Mountain Rescue England and Wales.

His team said the award was well deserved. “Mike has dedicated over 40 years of his life to mountain rescue, carrying out more than 1,000 rescues during this time.

“Mike has a lifetime of experience in the mountains which is called upon during rescues, but Mike also plays a pivotal role in imparting his knowledge to the team and mentoring newer members. Congratulations Mike, from all your DFMRT colleagues – keep up the brilliant work.”

Ray Griffiths of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was appointed an MBE for his service to mountain rescue. Mr Griffiths was appointed president of MREW in 2017.

Mr Griffiths joined the Patterdale team in January 1976 when he moved to the Eden area of Cumbria to teach at Ullswater Community College. He has served in a number of roles with the team, including deputy leader for many years, as well as undertaking work for the region and for MREW.

His team said: “Massive congratulations from all the team and everyone you have helped over the years Ray. You join a growing but small number of amazing people in mountain rescue who have been recognised for their efforts over many years. We are all proud.”

Richard Paskell of Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team also gained an MBE.

Mr Paskell, a serving police detective, received the honour for his services to mountain rescue and to the community in south Wales.

As well as his volunteer work with the Western Beacons team, he is also involved with St John Ambulance Cymru.

Kevin Hindle was awarded a British Empire Medal for his work with the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team. His colleagues said: “Congratulations to team member Kevin Hindle for being recognised in the New Year Honours list. Well done from us all.”

Wasdale-based broadcaster Eric Robson was appointed an OBE in the latest honours. He received his award for services to tourism.

Mr Robson is honorary president of Cumbria Tourism. He is also chairman of the Wainwright Society, which promotes the works of the late guidebook author Alfred Wainwright, with whom Mr Robson made a series of documentaries in the 1980s.