SAY Mountain Rescue to most people and they would probably conjure up thoughts of lifesaving teams helping hikers in the Scottish Highlands or the Lake District.

It is likely that few would point to an equally important group much closer to home.

But here in Herefordshire a Mountain Rescue team has been patrolling a picturesque mountain range in the west of the county for half a century - and is still going strong today.

Longtown Mountain Rescue Team began life in 1965 and now responds to at least 35 call-outs to the Black Mountains each year.

"All members are volunteers, there are no paid posts and members must bear the cost of transport, pagers and some equipment, although the majority of equipment is provided by the team," said David Steers, one of 45 LMRT members.

"The team is funded to about 95 per cent by fundraising and donations."

Mr Steers said LMRT began life following a change in social habits in the 1950s and 1960s which saw an increase in people using the mountains for recreation which in turn led to a surge in accidents.

This prompted about 12 people with backgrounds including the police and military to set up the Mountain Rescue team.

Nowadays, initial training takes a year, with further training for all members continuing at regular intervals after that.

The team, which can only be called out by the police, covers three police forces; West Mercia, Dyfed Powys and Gwent.

And over the years, members have encountered some heart-stopping moments.

Team leader Luke Lewis said one that sticks in his mind was the rescue and recovery to hospital of a casualty suffering from a heart attack on a ridge in the Black Mountains in bad weather.

The casualty made a full recovery and recently visited the team with his wife to personally thank the crew and explain that, thanks to them, he was lucky enough to have lived to see his grandchildren born.

Not all searches, however, have a happy ending.

In October 2012, Longtown helped in the search for missing five-year-old April Jones who was taken from her home in Machynlleth, Powys and later killed by Mark Bridger.

Mr Lewis also remembers watching on helplessly when three fellow team members fell and sustained serious injuries when part of a rock face gave way during a training exercise on a crag.

"Thankfully we were able to provide first aid immediately to assist with their full recovery over time," he said.

One of the biggest changes has been modern technology which has altered people's behaviour when out and about on the hills, with walkers now more reliant on GPS than the traditional map and compass.

"We can now use this technology to enable us to locate missing persons and casualties by using satellite technology to lock onto the phones’ location," said Mr Steers.

But he sounds a word of warning to those thinking of visiting the Black Mountains.

"The fast changing weather requires us to be much more prepared when entering the mountain environment, requiring us to have good clothing, navigational ability and the correct equipment.

"Plan accordingly to ensure your enjoyment and safety," he warns.

As well as marking its 50th anniversary this year, the group is also celebrating 30 years of the MRT's major fundraising event, The Big Black Mountains Challenge.

In previous years, more than 1,000 walkers have taken up the challenge of a choice of three walks in the Black Mountains, helping raise thousands of pounds in the process to keep others safe in the picturesque region in the future.