MOUNTAIN rescuers have received the highest award for volunteer groups at a special ceremony in Abergavenny.

Longtown Mountain Rescue Team was presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, at the Angel Hotel at the ceremony on Monday.

The award was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE, and Commodore Toby Elliott OBE, to members past and present from the team’s 50 year service.

The Brigadier said: “It’s an honour to be here tonight representing the Queen. I can’t think of a more fitting way to mark the team’s 50 years. It is very well deserved and I am delighted to present it to the team.”

Longtown MRT team leader, Luke Lewis, said: “The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for Longtown Mountain Rescue Team is testament to the dedication and skills of a team of volunteers who are always on call, in all weathers, to assist not only people in trouble in mountainous areas but also our wide ranging community.

“I would also like to thank Mike Jones, our former chairman, who worked so hard to bring this award about"

Mr Jones, speaking on the night, added: “Today’s team walks in the imprints of boots warn by some remarkable men and women. They worked tirelessly to form today’s team. This is their award as much as ours.

The team, based in Abergavenny, is made up of highly trained volunteers who cover an area from East Wales, through the Welsh borders and across Herefordshire