A COUPLE who met while volunteering for their local mountain rescue team were so passionate about the charity that they included it in their wedding day 17 years later.

Izzy and David De Santis have nearly 40 years’ service with the Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team between them and first met in training in 2000.

The couple, of Tow Law, became good friends and remained so for several years as they worked side-by-side to come to the rescue of those stranded in the often harsh climate of the Dales.

Love flourished when the pair finally moved in together three-and-a-half years ago.

While planning their wedding, the couple decided it was only right that their love of the team featured in their big day on September 8, with team leader Steve Owers driving Mrs De Santis to the ceremony at Durham Registry Office in the team's Land Rover.

Mrs De Santis, 43, and Mr De Santis, a 57-year-old social worker, also included the rescue vehicle in their wedding photographs.

The pair then shared their wedding breakfast with their guests at restaurant in the city before being transported in the Land Rover to the Moorcock Inn, in Eggleston, Teesdale, for a ceilidh.

Mrs De Santis, who also became stepmother to Mr De Santis' five sons, said the couple had a wonderful day.

The veterinary nurse, said: "We had a very strong friendship to start off with and we had a lovely [wedding day].

"It was really good to have the vehicle there. It kind of felt appropriate because we met through the mountain rescue and just so right and nice because it was a little bit unusual."

She added: "It has been a big part of our lives."

The couple, who also lead expeditions with teenagers in their spare time, are on call 24 hours a day but hope to take some time out when they go on their honeymoon to the Himalayas.

The mountain rescue team's spokesman, Scott Bisset, said: "From the team's point of view we wish them well for the future.

"It is great that two long-serving team members have bonded and found love within the team."

For more information about the team or to find out more about how to join, visit twsmrt.org.uk or search for Teesdale and Weardale Mountain Rescue Team on Facebook.