AN emergency services member has been honoured for his dedication to helping others.

Brian Allport, a member of Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team (NNP MRT) has been awarded the Mountain Rescue Search Dog Association President’s Award for 25 years' service.

The award, presented by President of the rescue Bill Batson MBE, recognises a dog handler's service as they train yearly with dogs they work with.

It's about re-establishing the importance of continuing Britain's history of using dogs to help find members of the public who are in need when out on the mountains or in dangerous situations.

Brian has been a part of the mountain rescue service for 30 years and has had a number of roles such as being a dog handler, an instructor, assessor and treasurer - from which he has recently retired.

After retiring from being a treasurer, he now plays a major role in fundraising for Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England (MRSDE).

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MRSDE is a dog training charity, where they teach Mountain Rescue personnel to train Mountain Rescue Search Dogs across England. 

A spokesperson for the team said to Brian about the award: "This is in recognition of the commitment, dedication and support you have given to our association for more than 20 years, including the time you spent as a handler, instructor, assessor and treasurer. Since retiring as treasurer, you have played a major role in fundraising for MRSDE.

"With diligence and resolve you have applied for and followed up applications from funding bodies and sponsors establishing financial stability for MRSDE. You have always undertaken these tasks with good humour and determination in support of our members."

Speaking about his award, Brian said: "I am honoured to receive the award and proud to be part of the search dog community and NNP MRT."

Team Leader Iain Nixon said: “We’re delighted that Brian’s dedication and commitment has been recognised with this award. In addition to his 25 years' service with Search Dogs, Brian has over 30 years' service to our team.

"Brian has worked with a number of search dogs over the years and been involved in searching for and rescuing dozens of people.”