THE family of a woman, whose body was found in January have expressed their thanks to the team who helped in the search.

Members of Swaledale Fell Rescue Team were among those who searched for 73-year-old Evelyn Graham, of Manfield, near Darlington, when she went missing on January 4.

The body of the founder of Darlington and District Riding Club and member of the Zetland Hunt was found the next day by police in a pond at nearby Aldbrough St John.

Mrs Graham's son, Chris, and daughter, Jane, have donated £1,000 towards the cost of high band radios for the rescue team's vehicles, to express their thanks.

At a presentation ceremony at the unit's base at Catterick Garrison, rescue controller Joe Ayre said: "We were sorry it ended so sadly but we greatly appreciate the generosity of Mrs Graham's family in donating the two new vehicle radios.

"These will undoubtedly improve our future efficiency and were badly needed by the team. Anyone could benefit from our service at any time and we depend entirely on donations from the public to continue our voluntary work for the community."

The fell rescue team helps with emergencies in Swale-dale and Wensleydale.

It is run entirely by volunteers and is on stand-by 24 hours a day. Its Catterick Garrison headquarters, largely funded by the National Lottery, was opened last year by local MP William Hague.