KIRKBY Stephen Mountain Rescue Team has announced a new team leader.

Adrian Cottrell has taken over after being elected unopposed at the team’s Annual General Meeting on March 13.

He replaces Arthur Littlefair MBE who has been team leader since 1991.

Mr Cottrell joined the team in January 2006 and became a deputy team leader in 2008. He also oversees the team’s involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School.

He lives with his family on North Stainmore and runs his own business.

Adrian said: “This is a time of significant change in mountain rescue, although the overall ethos of voluntary service remains as strong as ever. Teams are being called to help with a wider range of incidents and there are new requirements for training and resourcing.

“I am looking forward to the challenge. Most importantly the team has an excellent group of members with the experience and skills to keep the team at the forefront of good practice in search and rescue.”