A Keswick man who has dedicated much of his life to looking after people on the fells has been rewarded for his efforts with an MBE.

Brian Spencer, of Chestnut Hill, retired from the town’s mountain rescue team in 2015, aged 80.

He had been a member for 45 years, during which time he was involved with more than 1,200 rescues.

Mr Spencer, a former maths teacher, has also been involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme for nearly 50 years.

“I was flabbergasted, embarrassed and humbled when I received my letter.

“It was the last thing I expected. So many people do such a good job,” said Mr Spencer, who has two children and five grandsons.

He will be going to Buckingham Palace with his wife, Veronica.

“She has assisted greatly in everything I have done over the years,” he said.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team leader Chris Higgins is in no doubt about how much Mr Spencer deserves his award.

“I’m overjoyed,” he said. “Brian was not only an active team member but in the latter years he took on the job of collecting collection boxes from pubs, guest houses and businesses.

“We calculated that he was responsible for collecting more than £370,000, mainly in coppers and coins.

“He did a massive amount in terms of fundraising.

“He always worked away in the background, making a significant contribution.

“He would be the last person to make a song and dance about things.

“It was a real pleasure to have him in the team. He had a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Mr Spencer has also helped introduce hundreds of youngsters to the joys of the outdoors over the years.

“I used to run the DoE scheme when I was working at Keswick School, and I am now an assessor for the Cumbrian network,” he said.

“I also used to organise many of the school’s outdoor activities, taking pupils canoeing and skiing.”