THEY turn out at all hours and in all weathers helping people who are in trouble.

People who might have been out in difficult terrain when the conditions turn nasty, have met with an accident or, on occasion, been unprepared for what they have encountered out in our beautiful, but challenging, landscape.

What they, and all of us, can depend on though is that whatever they meet, the people who will always be there to lend a hand are our mountain rescue teams.

However well prepared any of us are when we go out walking, climbing or enjoying any other activity in the countryside, accidents can happen. And when they do, what we all need is the reassurance that expert help is at hand.

This week, 37 members of Holme Valley Mountain Rescue team received awards for many years of long service.

They have shown dedication and devotion in a tireless and totally selfless way enabling thousands of people to make the most of our stunning landscape.

That they do it as volunteers and often in the most taxing conditions makes their work all the more remarkable. We applaud them all.