Three outstanding individuals from South Cumbria are to be recognised in the New Year’s honours list.

The New Year's honours list, released every December, recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK.

Among those recognised are Paul Birkby, business continuity manager at BAE Systems Submarines who will receive an Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to the community in Barrow during the Covid-19 Response.

Phil Critchlow, who lived in Hale and Stainton, is set to be awarded an OBE for services to radio and television and John Michael Breon (Mike) Margeson, from Kirkby, will also receive an OBE for his services to mountain rescue.

Mr Margeson is a long-standing team member at Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team and vice chairman operational lead of Mountain Rescue England and Wales.

Mr Margeson began his voluntary service with mountain rescue teams over forty years ago and has carried out more than 1,000 rescues over four decades.

The 62-year-old said: "I never thought when I first joined that I'd still be here 41 years later.

"Mountains are my life. I've seen some very serious, big incidents over the years - flooding, the cocklers in Morecambe Bay, blizzards - Cumbria's had its unfair share of major incidents.

"We do so much training for these incidents to ensure when it happens, we are prepared.

"What we can do now compared to when I first started 40 years ago is a different ball game altogether - technically and medically. Communication is absolutely critical in mountain rescue."

Mr Margeson said he was 'delighted' and 'humbled' when he was informed he would be receiving an OBE for his services to mountain rescue.

"I was sitting outside a supermarket when the cabinet office rang me and I thought, am I hearing this right?" he said.

"I was very overwhelmed, honoured and humbled.

"Mountain rescue is a very special organisation which is a 24/7 voluntary commitment.

"This year has been incredibly challenging but like our frontline colleagues in the health service and police, we look after each other like a family."

Mr Margeson said the award is recognition of all the hard work put in by teams of volunteers.

He said: "I am proud of all the volunteers who work day in and out. I strongly believe that any award is a recognition of the service we all provide.

"The award is for everyone in mountain rescue - it's a team effort. We also wouldn't be able to do any of this without the support of our families who are patient and wonderful."

Mr Margeson is urging anyone interested in joining mountain rescue to sign up.

"If you're a keen walker or not, there are all sorts of ways you can contribute without actually going out rescuing. It's a fantastic group of like-minded people who do hugely rewarding work."

Eric Robson, the president of Cumbria Tourism, was also delighted to be awarded the OBE for his services to tourism “because it recognises the importance of the tourism and hospitality industry to Cumbria."