A FORMER Police Constable who channelled his expertise into co-ordinating volunteer search and rescue operations across North Yorkshire has received an MBE.

During his 30-years with North Yorkshire Police, Jonathan Rushton of Bedale specialised in Search, a notoriously challenging role that often involves dangerous situations.

His expertise saw him appointed as North Yorkshire Police's single point of contact with volunteer Search and Rescue Teams in 2004.

In the same year he formed and still acts as chairman of a multi-agency meeting where all mountain and cave rescue groups are represented.

During his time in the police, Mr Rushton also worked as part of a specialist dive team, and as a lead PolSA – an expert in crime, missing person and counter terrorism people searches.

Now 51, Mr Rushton retired from the police last October and said his MBE is a fitting farewell to his time in the force.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted.

"Search and rescue teams are unpaid volunteers, but they have a pivotal role to play in an investigation, so you need that bond of trust between the search teams and the police.

"I’m proud that I helped to build that relationship in North Yorkshire.

"I’ve moved on from the police service now, but it is a great end to my police career and I am humbled to receive this award.”