A mountain rescue team has gained a royal award for its volunteering activities.

The Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team was one of 112 voluntary groups nationally given the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The award is given each year in recognition of outstanding achievement by groups who volunteer their own time to enhance and improve the quality of life and opportunity for individuals or other groups in the community.

Each group is assessed on the benefit it brings to the local community and its standing within that community.

The team, which was the only mountain rescue team to gain the award this year, was rewarded for saving lives in wild and remote places.

The Queen announced the award 10 years ago to mark her golden jubilee and the accolade is given to groups each June.

A spokesperson for the Scarborough and Ryedale MRT said: “Heartfelt thanks to the people who initially nominated us, the awards panel who appreciated what we do for our community and of course Her Royal Highness for this award, made more special with this the year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

“We are already looking forward to receiving the award from the Lord Lieutenant.”

The award was instigated for the Queen's golden jubilee. Photo: Oast House Archive CC-BY-SA-2.0

The award has been dubbed the MBE for volunteer groups.

Voluntary service award committee chair, former broadcaster Martyn Lewis, said: “In this diamond jubilee year the judges have been hugely impressed by the many imaginative ways that volunteers are coming together to help build and sustain the fabric of our society.

“They are proof that in these difficult times the community spirit is alive and well right across the UK.”

Award winners receive a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal.

Scarborough and Ryedale MRT has 50 active members and covers a 5,439 sq km (2,100 sq mile) area including a large part of the North York Moors national park and Dalby Forest.