CRO member Roy Holmes receives the award from Lord Crathorne

CRO member Roy Holmes receives the award from Lord Crathorne

A cave and mountain rescue group has received royal approval for its volunteer work.

The Cave Rescue Organisation, based in Clapham in the Yorkshire Dales, was announced as a winner of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The team carries out searches and rescues both in the limestone caves and on the fells around its North Yorkshire base.

It was one of 103 groups throughout the UK granted the award, dubbed the ‘MBE for voluntary groups’.

North Yorkshire’s Lord Lieutenant, Lord Crathorne, presented the award – a certificate signed by the Queen and a commemorative crystal. Four team members also received an invitation to a Buckingham Palace garden party earlier in the summer.

The CRO celebrated its 75th anniversary this year.

Chairman Jack Pickup said: “We are extremely honoured and proud to accept this prestigious award in recognition of our long-standing and dedicated service to the community. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank all the volunteers past and present who make up our team, plus everyone who has supported us over the past 75 years.”

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service main award committee chair and former broadcast journalist Martyn Lewis said: “Outstanding volunteer groups across the UK all too often go without recognition for the truly amazing work they do, despite the vital part they play in helping bind our communities together.

“It’s a great pleasure to celebrate the efforts of the Cave Rescue Organisation with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and help raise awareness of all they do for the benefit of others.”

The award is made after selection of recommendations by members of the public.

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