AN Underbarrow man received a commemorative plaque to mark his retirement as president of Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW).

Peter Bell, who has been involved in mountain rescue for 56 years, was presented with the plaque at the organisation's national annual general meeting on Saturday.

Mr Bell was a founder member of Ambleside Fell Rescue Team, formed to support the Langdale team (now Langdale Ambleside MRT). He was also involved in the design of the Bell Stretcher, used in MR since the early 1970s.

“I didn’t expect any sort of formal announcement at the AGM but the public thank you and presentation to mark my retirement was much appreciated," said Mr Bell. "The role of MREW president has been an enjoyable and not-too-arduous one and I have been pleased to be able to help the national umbrella organisation of mountain rescue in various ways during my ten years in the role.”