Volunteers with Bolton's fourth emergency service have been honoured for their service.

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team members have awarded the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal.

The medal, given to 34 operational team members, was presented by Dianne Hawkins, deputy lieutenant of Greater Manchester on behalf of the Queen.

The awards were made at the team's base, Ladybridge Hall, with families invited to the ceremony.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal is awarded to individuals and acts as a token of the nation's thanks to those who 'diligently serve the public'.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: "Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the dedication and service of those who, like the Queen, tirelessly serve our country.

"From the troops who serve overseas to the emergency services workers at home who run towards danger when others would flee, we are honoured to have such dedicated and professional public servants who keep us safe.

"2022 is an opportunity for us to come together as a nation to celebrate and say thank you to Her Majesty and all those who work so hard to make Britain Great.2

The history of awarding medals to mark Royal Jubilees dates back to the Victorian period when the first medal was awarded to mark the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign.

Glen Mayhew, Assistant Chief Constable, National portfolio lead Search and Rescue said:"I want to personally thank you for the professionalism and commitment your teams display as Search and Rescue volunteers. The high level of skill and outstanding passion for this role makes such a difference and the [Queen’s Platinum Jubilee] Medal is being awarded as a token of the nation’s thanks. I appreciate that the callouts will occur at the most inconvenient times and the SAR volunteers are reliant on supportive and understanding families, friends and employers.

"Can I again thank you and all your teams for all that you do, in different roles and all weathers. We are honoured to have such dedicated and professional volunteers working alongside the statutory authorities."

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team was established in 1968 and covers 360 square miles from Rivington and Darwen in the north to Manchester Airport in the south, to Wigan in the west and to Bury in the east. Bolton Mountain Rescue Team responds, on average, to 100 calls for its assistance per year. The team supports the Police in Greater Manchester and Lancashire with search operations for missing people. It assists the North West Ambulance Service with calls to casualties in difficult to access or remote locations. It provides support to Greater Manchester and Lancashire Fire Rescue Services with wildfire incidents on the moors and with rope and water rescue operations.