Gordon Kay, second from right with, from left, team leader Adrian Cottrell, chairman Michael Sain and previous team leader Arthur Littlefair

Gordon Kay, second from right with, from left, team leader Adrian Cottrell, chairman Michael Sain and previous team leader Arthur Littlefair

A veteran mountain rescuer has retired after 30 years with his team.

Gordon Kay was presented with a long-service certificate by Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team to mark the achievement.

A team spokesperson said: “Gordon Kay has been team member for 30 years, since moving into the area after a successful career navigating with the RAF.

“He was the team’s first training officer, a position held for 16 years, with a reputation for setting challenging exercises. He was a deputy leader for 20 years and secretary for many years of what was then the East Cumbria Search Panel.”

Mr Kay is also well known locally as a musician. He joined Kirkby Stephen Silver Band even before the mountain rescue team, playing the trombone for 10 years, then conducting, and more recently playing the euphonium. He still plays trombone with a few orchestras and big band jazz groups. He is also a member of Kendal Model Railway Club, with model buildings and scenic work being his main interests.

Rescue team chairman Michael Saint said: “Gordon’s deep experience of both hillwalking and navigation has been much appreciated in so many aspects of the team’s training and callouts.

“We have been very lucky to have him as a team member. His love of the outdoors will continue to be nurtured as he carries on walking the mountains of the Lakes and Pennines and further afield.”

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