A DEDICATED Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team member has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Paul Hudson, who has been an integral part of the Tavistock team for 25 years, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his services to the search and rescue on Dartmoor.

Paul, who is one of the search managers at Tavistock and a team leader, said he was ‘honoured’ to receive the good news, a few weeks before the Queen’s birthday.

‘It was a big surprise and nice to know that what I have tried to do for the team has been acknowledged, plus it’s recognition for the volunteers of the rescue team,’ said Paul, who has lived in Tavistock for 30 years.

‘It was so lovely to be honoured and especially with it being a special occasion for the Queen’s 90th birthday.

‘When I got the letter I thought it was to do with a nomination I had done for someone else but when I found out it was me who was nominated and received the award it was a shock.

‘I haven’t been told when the ceremony is but my wife and daughter are already looking at new hats and dresses for the day. I am allowed three guests and my son, who lives in Surrey, will also be attending.’

Chairman of the Tavistock team Rhodri Davey said that Paul’s MBE?was a ‘thoroughly deserved honour’.

‘We are all absolutely thrilled for Paul. The list of things that Paul has done for the team is impressive — he is always at training, always at call outs and attends national and regional meetings. The reality is that we are a charity and rely on volunteers and we can’t survive without people like Paul, who give up their time.

‘This award is one hundred per cent deserved.’

The Queen’s Birthday Honours list, published on June 10, 2016, on the occasion of Her Majesty’s official 90th birthday, recognised the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people right across the United Kingdom. Only two members of Mountain Rescue were honoured in the honours list — Paul and Peter Farrer in the Peak District.

Mike Margeson, vice chair, Mountain Rescue England and Wales, said: ‘We were delighted to hear of the award of an MBE to Paul Hudson of the Tavistock team, Dartmouth Search and Rescue, in the Queen’s Birthday honours. We would like to add our sincere congratulations.’

l Paul is pictured above. Picture by James Bird.