IT is not unusual for the police, the fire brigade and the ambulance service to make front page headlines. As the most high profile emergency services, their activities are a common source of newsworthy material.

But, on the front page of tomorrow's edition of The Northern Echo, it is a pleasure to shine the spotlight on the invaluable and often unheralded work carried out by search and rescue volunteers. 

Kelly Weelands, 35, owes her life to the members of the Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team who were dispatched by the police to help look for her when she was in a highly vulnerable state.

With the aid of Misty the dog, the volunteers located Miss Weelands in the nick of time and administered medical treatment.

Durham's Chief Constable Mike Barton today presented the volunteers – including Misty – with a certificate of commendation for their life-saving actions.

Search and rescue teams could not exist without dedicated volunteers and charitable donations and we hope the publicity generated by the award helps to swell the coffers.

The Chief Constable is to be applauded for recognising the value of the service, and Miss Weelands also deserves great credit for having the courage to tell her story in the media.

Most of all, the members of Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team – and volunteers like them all over the country – deserve our thanks for being there when they are needed.