Pete Farnell with wife Anne and son Joe

A member of a rescue team was joined by his family and a top police officer to mark his 40 years volunteering with the organisation.

Pete Farnell, chairman of Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team, has clocked up four decades of service with the Mytholmroyd-based team.

Tim Ingram of Calder Valley SRT said: “Pete Farnell joined the team on 24 November 1974 as a young lad, aged 20.

“Through the years he has held numerous key roles, from radio officer to team leader to our current team chairman. Most recently, Pete is also a Search And Rescue Dog Association England search dog handler with Meg, his trusty sidekick.

“As you can imagine, 40 years’ service takes a considerable amount of time, commitment and a very understanding family, so it was our pleasure to welcome Pete’s wife Anne, and their son Joe to be part of the evening.

“Mountain rescue must run in the family as Joe recently qualified as a full team member with Edale Mountain Rescue Team.”

West Yorkshire Police Temporary Chief Constable Dee Collins and Sergeant Neil Taylor presented Mr Farnell with his long service certificate and thanked the team for their continued support and commitment to the emergency services and the local community.

Ms Collins said: “I have the utmost respect for Mountain Rescue England and Wales and think it’s incredible that you are all volunteers. Pete, on behalf of West Yorkshire Police, I thank you for your many years of service.”

Mr Farnell said: “Thank you to my family for putting up me. I’m very grateful to receive this long service certificate. However, I believe this is as much an award for the team – that’s why I have remained with mountain rescue for so long – because of the people.”