Sheriff’s tribute to fell rescue team

Alexandra Holford visited the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Team’s headquarters in Grassington, where she was given a tour of the building to meet the unit’s members.

She was shown rescue equipment and the team’s new incident control vehicle, which was brought in after a fundraising campaign spanning more than four years. The visit also included a trip out in a Land Rover to walk some of the rescue locations around the area. Mrs Holford claimed the team provides a “terrific service” for incidents ranging from helping a stranded walker with a sprained ankle to a major incident to rescue a trapped potholer.

She added: “They are unpaid, raise every penny themselves and are totally dedicated to helping anyone in difficulties – a great public service that deserves all our support and particularly from those who use the magnificent outdoor facilities of North Yorkshire.”

The Office of the High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year. Its origins date back about 1,000 years to the Saxon era.

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