A VOLUNTEER says she feels ‘overwhelmed and proud’ to have been honoured with a Prime Minister’s award after spending over 40 years helping to rescue people in the Lake District.

Penny Kirkby, from just outside Gosworth, near Seascale, received the Points of Light award in recognition of her volunteering efforts for Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team.

She received the award on October 29 to mark Mountain Rescue Awareness Day after being nominated by an unknown individual.

“I can’t put into words how I feel about receiving this award,” she said. I’m just so overwhelmed and proud.”

Her most noticeable recoveries for Wasdale MRT include locating victims in the aftermath of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing in Lockerbie in December 1988 with her first search Dog called ‘Ben’, which she says ‘had a huge impact’ on her.

“One of the nicer ones was being able to help rescue a St. Bernard dog a few years ago on the main path of Scafell Pike after she had ground to a halt,” she added.

Penny decided to start volunteering at Wasdale MRT in 1982 because of her experience in mountaineering, hill climbing and rock climbing throughout all seasons.

Soon after joining, she became quickly acquainted with search dogs and then started to train them.

“They are hugely important to rescue operations,” she added.

“I’ve had a phenomenal bond with all the dogs I’ve worked with because you spend so much time with them. However, it’s a team effort – it’s not just me working a dog.”

Over the years she has helped to train many new volunteers, as well as responding to thousands of callouts.

“There’s been a huge increase in rescue operations over the last year,” she explained.

“This has been our busiest year ever. We’ve already passed last year’s total and all of the other teams in the Lake District have also seen an increase.

“I’m really proud to have been part of such a great team and to have made a difference to so many people.”