FIGURES released by Northumbria Mountain Rescue Service have revealed that 2018 was the busiest year on record for the two teams.

Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team and the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team responded to 140 incidents across their operational area of Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, representing an increase of more than 100% on 2017.

Responding to requests for help from Northumbria Police and the North East Ambulance Service, the teams were dealt with various incidents including search and rescue as well as dealing with extreme weather.

February and March represented the busiest period, with the Beast from the East causing problems across the region.

The teams were called out to 46 incidents in just four days, including rescued stranded motorists on Carter Bar and undertaking urgent patient transfers to hospital.

Other major incidents in Tynedale dealt with by the teams in 2018 included the two-day search for missing Greenhead man Walter Hutton in June that ultimately ended in tragedy, and the rescue of a seriously injured climber from Cragh Lough on Hadrian's Wall.

Iain Nixon, team leader of the Northumberland National Park team, said: "The Beast from the East had a significant part toplay in the unprecedented rise in the number of incidents in 2018.

"However, even without the Beast from the East, the Teams responded to 94 incidents over the year, 28 more than the previous year.

"The dedication and commitment shown by all of our volunteers has been tremendous and I’d like to thank them, their families and friends, and employers for their ongoing support."

The two volunteer staffed teams cost around £80,000 to run per year, excluding the cost of volunteer's time.

If that was added in, the 4,800 hours spent by both teams saving lives would add up to £860,000 - representing a significant saving to the public purse.

Donations to the teams can be made at www.justvgiving.com/nnpmrt or www.notmrt.org.uk/donate.