The KSMRT is a registered charity. As a member of the LDSAMRA (Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association) it provides search and rescue services, on a voluntary basis, for a large area around the upper Eden valley.

The team was formed in the 1960s by a group of hill walkers known as the Bogtrotters. Many of the other Lake District teams were formed around this time.

In the early days equipment was very basic and team members used their own vehicles on rescues.

They cover an area of nearly 2,500 square kilometres. They are bounded to the west by the M6, to the North by Appleby, south by Sedbergh and west by Keld. A map of their area can be found on their website.

There are 2 or 3 new members each year and aspirant members need to meet certain criteria before being considered.

The team was called out to assist in the aftermath of the rail crash on the West Coast Mainline at Grayrigg, on Friday 23rd February. Team members carried out a search on the Saturday morning of adjacent fields to the railway line, as there was concern that some passengers were unaccounted for.

KSMR have recently launched a new website at www.kirkbystephenmrt.org.uk and if you would like to find out more about the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association, you can visit their official website at www.ldsamra.org.uk.