NOT outshone by today's Birthday Honours is the recognition being given to members of the Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team.

In particular, the presentation of the Queen's Volunteer Award to their leader, 51-year-old Dave Barrington is much deserved after 30 years' dedication to helping others in distress in East Lancashire's outdoors.

And it most apt since he reveals today that it was being rescued as a 15-year-old by the team when he had an accident while out fell-walking that inspired him to join the all-volunteer service.

Dave is one of 20 others with more than five years' service in the team who are to receive the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal which is being presented to mark Her Majesty's 50 -year reign by giving special appreciation to people who make contributions to their communities.

And it is a considerable one that the Mountain Rescue Team makes. For though East Lancashire is hardly mountainous terrain, it has vast stretches of open and remote moorland in which, especially in suddenly-changing weather conditions, people can -- and as many as 90 a year do -- get into trouble. And the task of rescuing them can be both difficult and hazardous for the ever-on-call and specially-trained volunteers.

It is right and fitting that their work and dedication is honoured today.