VOLUNTEER rescue workers came face to face with some of the people they had saved at a special awards ceremony.

The Search and Rescue awards ceremony was held to highlight the work of unsung heroes in the region who have helped people trapped or injured in the region’s more inaccessible countryside.

On Friday night, October 7, volunteers from the five search and rescue teams that cover Cleveland and North Yorkshire came together for the Welcome to Yorkshire’s ceremony.

A total of 20 awards were presented to individuals at Raven Hall Hotel in Ravenscar, Scarborough.

During the evening, two people who had been helped by search and rescue teams retold their dramatic rescue bids.

One was 17-year-old Callum Rock, from Middlesbrough, who was rescued from Highcliff Nab in Guisborough in August 2010 after falling 70ft.

Cleveland Search and Rescue Team helped save Callum, who had been on a climbing expedition with his dad.

Callum suffered serious injuries, including multiple skull and facial fractures and was put on a life support machine.

Zoe Ketteridge, from Methley, Leeds, was rescued by the Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) after falling on Yorkshire’s highest peak, Whernside in the Dales.

The 42-year-old is lucky to be alive after falling 100 metres when she slipped on ice, as her horrified husband looked on.

The couple were at the ceremony to personally thank the volunteers for the crucial part they played in saving her life after the accident in February 2009.

Mrs Ketteridge, who has fundraised for the team ever since, told the audience: "I have a vivid memory of falling. I have stopped having the nightmares now but everyone in this room was involved in my rescue.

“I am in awe of their dedication, it is amazing. They are the unsung heroes."

Her husband, Jon Ketteridge, added: "I was very close to losing the most important person in my life that day. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to say thank you for the wonderful work you do.”

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said: "These lifesaving volunteers are vital to Yorkshire and vital in keeping our visitors safe.

“It has been an honour to support tonight’s search and rescue awards ceremony to highlight the invaluable work they do."