A NEW team leader for Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue (MRT) has been appointed with the previous one stepping down after 10 years in his post.

Adrian Cottrell handed over the team leader role to John Chapman at the MRT's annual general meeting on March 26. 

Mr Cottrell will still be an active part of the team. Kirkby Stephen MRT said that he will now take on the role of training officer at Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association. 

The Westmorland Gazette: The mountain rescue team receiving their long service award certificatesThe mountain rescue team receiving their long service award certificates (Image: Kirkby Stephen MRT)

A spokesperson from the MRT said: "Adrian's last job as Team Leader was to present long service certificates to team members with 10,15 and 20 years voluntary service.

"Altogether a pleasant evening without the rush and pressure of a call out."