Long service award for dedicated rescuer

Pete Farnell, chairman of the team, joined in 1974 at the age of 20 and through the years has held a number of key roles including radio officer and team leader.

He is also a Search and Rescue Dog Association England search dog handler, with his trusty sidekick Meg.

At the team’s monthly vehicle and kit maintenance evening last week, surprise guests -including Chief Constable Dee Collins and Sergeant Neil Taylor of West Yorkshire Police - made a special visit to mark Pete’s achievement.

He was presented with a long service certificate and the Chief Constable thanked the team for its support and commitment to the emergency services and the communities it serves.

Pete said: “Thank you to my family for putting up with me. I’m very grateful to receive this long service certificate. However, I believe this is as much an award for the team. That’s why I have remained with mountain rescue for so long - because of the people.”

There to support Pete on the night were his wife Anne and son Joe.

And following in his father’s footsteps, Joe recently qualified as a full team member with Edale Mountain Rescue Team.

For details about Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team, visit www.cvsrt.org.uk.