Malcolm Miller, Andy Jones and Chris Higgins with the cake. Dr Hooper was unable to attend the event. Photo: Keswick MRT

Four members of Keswick Mountain Rescue Team have been recognised for their service after clocking up a combined 140 years’ volunteering.

Former chairman Malcolm Miller has been with the team for 50 years.

He chaired the organisation from 2013 to 2015 and currently acts as collection boxes co-ordinator.

Andy Jones, who was treasurer between 1995 and 2000, has been with the team for 40 years, while Chris Higgins and Dr Tim Hooper received awards for 25 years’ service.

Mr Higgins has served as equipment officer and was deputy leader of the Keswick team from 2000 to 2014, before taking over as leader. Dr Hooper continues to provide medical training and expertise to the team’s volunteers.

The awards were made at the Keswick MRT quarterly meeting at the end of May.

A team spokesperson said: “Imagine volunteering over a 25-year period, selflessly giving up your precious time to go out any time of day or night in all kinds of weather to rescue strangers in trouble on the fells.

“How many family meals, special occasions and evenings in the pub have been sacrificed? How about doing that for 40 years or even 50 years?

“Malcolm wrote about his 50 years in the team for the 2021 rescue report explaining that for him the overriding benefit of being a team member is the long-lasting friendships that have formed. He talks about the two-way relationship with team members efforts being more than repaid with companionship, shared adventures and experiences both on and of the hills.

“However you look at it their combined contribution of thousands of rescues is an incredible achievement and something to be very proud of.”

The team thanked Laura at Cakes from the Lakes for donating a specially made cake to mark the occasion.