HE has rescued people stranded on Welsh mountains for two decades and took part in the search for the missing girl April Jones.

Now, Blaenavon dad-of-two Luke Lewis has become the new leader of a team of 40 dedicated volunteers prepared to put their lives out on a limb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Mr Lewis, 58, of Llanover Road, said: β€œIt is both an honour and a privilege to lead a team who, although made up of volunteers from all walks of life, come together in the most professional way, willing to help others in distress.”

Mr Lewis decided to join Longtown Mountain Rescue Team after ascending the UK highest peaks, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon for Cancer Research with his two brothers in 1990.

His memorable call-outs included the rescue of a man suffering from a heart attack on a ridge in the Black Mountains in bad weather a decade ago.

He made a full recovery and recently visited the team with his wife to express his gratitude and say he was lucky enough to have lived to see his grandchildren born and have many happy times with his family.

Recently, Mr Lewis rescued two walkers who had become lost in bad weather while walking in the Black Mountains without adequate clothing or shelter, a team spokeswoman said.

His most terrifying moment was watching three fellow members falling and sustaining serious injuries when part of a rock face came away while we were training on a crag.

Thankfully the team were able to give them first aid immediately and they have made a full recovery, the spokeswoman said.

The team, based in Abergavenny, will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

Next year will also be the 30th anniversary of their major fundraising walk called The Big Black Mountains Challenge, which has raised thousands of pounds.

For more information, log on to longtownmrt.org.uk.