CONISTON’S Mountain Rescue Service has marked 75th years of service to the county and its communities.

The rescue organisation had its first recorded rescue on April 13, 1947, following the forming of a search party for a missing person in the Coniston area.

The authorities were assisted by local quarrymen, residents and nearby farmers who knew the area.

Following this incident, a parish council meeting was held where it was decided a rescue party would be formed made up of local people, who would volunteer their services to go to the assistance of those who required help on the Coniston fells.

Team leader Janice Hamilton of the Coniston Mountain Rescue Service said: “I feel very privileged to be part of the Team which was the first official Rescue Team of its kind.

“We organised a Pizza lunch and a band at our local Sports & Social Club on 10th April (the nearest, most convenient, date to our first official rescue; 13th April 1947) for our members and supporters.

“Team Leaders and representatives from LDSAMRA were also invited as well as other dignitaries.

 “The President of LDSAMRA attended and awarded the Queens Jubilee Platinum Medal to those Team Members who were eligible.

“After this, a photo was taken by the team drone of everyone, in the shape of a 75.

“It was amazing how, what appeared to be slightly chaotic on the ground, turned out to be a perfect 75 from the air.

“All members and supporters were given a Fleece with a team badge and depicting the 75th anniversary.”

The service has responded to thousands of incidents over its history, and eight incidents this year alone.

Janice added: “There hasn’t been many changes to the type of call outs we get asked to attend.

“We go out to mainly trauma incidents and lost walkers. However, it is the increase in numbers that is more noticeable.

“In the earlier days there were no mobile phones and also less people out on the fells.

“With increased advertising and more published tourist guides, as well as good communication improving over the years, holidaying in the Lake District became very popular and when something goes awry, calling for help couldn’t be easier.”