Pothole rescuer is honoured for his work (From Keighley News)

Pothole rescuer is honoured for his work

12:40pm Sunday 1st November 2009

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A potholer who was among the team of rescuers at one of the world’s worst caving disasters has been honoured for his work.

Silsden man Harry Long, a controller for the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA), has received an exceptional service award from North Yorkshire Police.

He helped battle in vain to reach the six young men — aged between 17 and 26 — who drowned in Mossdale Caverns, in the Yorkshire Dales, in June 1967.

The 69-year-old was then invited to join UWFRA 42 years ago, shortly after the four-day attempted rescue operation which was beaten back by torrential floods.

Since then he has spent 11 years as an underground leader and the last 30 years as a controller co-ordinating rescue operations above ground.

And with new Government rules about insurance cover, he expects to be in the job for another six years.

“This is not just an honour for me but for all those people down the years who have made the job possible and helped achieve the results we have,” said Mr Long. He was among five people presented with awards, including Pete Dean of the Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO), Dave Gallivan, of the CRO, and Tony Dean, of UWFRA.

PC John Rushton, of the force’s tactical planning unit, said Mr Long had received his award in recognition of his invaluable assistance to North Yorkshire Police.

“These awards are a great way of showing our gratitude to the members of these teams who provide us with such an important and professional service.”

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