Fell rescue group gets youngest chairman

A BUILDER has become the youngest chairman of the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association in the life-saving group's 62-year history.

Ian Hook, from Glasshouses, near Pateley Bridge, has been an active member of the team for over 11 years.

In addition to attending call-outs, the 41-year-old caver became the association's assistant warden and then warden looking after its Grassington headquarters and all the equipment.

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He has been vice-chairman of the organisation for the past five years.

Mr Hook, who has lived in the area all his life, said he is looking forward to the challenge and he hopes to boost the number of younger members.

"It is such a privilege and honour to have been elected chairman," he said.

"We have many long-serving members, indeed over half have served more than 25 years with a good number as long as 40 years and more, and as such we have considerable knowledge of the local area and of course rescue techniques.

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"My aim is to help increase the number of younger members for us to be able to pass on this expertise in our life-saving work in the Dales."

The Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, which covers Nidderdale as well as Wharfedale, Littondale and parts of Airedale, is the third oldest in the country.

It is one of only three teams – all in the Yorkshire Dales – which perform both surface and underground rescues.

The association's 60th anniversary two years ago was recognised by a visit from the Duke of Gloucester.

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Last year, members provided more than 2,200 man hours to North Yorkshire Police covering 36 incidents.

All of the association's 80 members are volunteers who have undergone demanding training to deal with the life-threatening situations they face.