Memorial remembers fells tragedy

A hill-farming community has marked the deaths of two shepherds, which led to the creation of a fell rescue service.

John Scott and William Middlemas died when they became stranded near their remote home at Ewartly Shank, Northumberland, on 17 November 1962.

The tragedy led to the formation of what is now the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Service.

A memorial service took place at the weekend at a specially-created cairn at the site of the men's deaths.

'Same spirit'

National Park senior ranger Russell Tait said: "The tragic events of 1962 forged strong links between the community, the emergency services and set a standard for rescue operations which have stood the region in good stead to this day.

"The same spirit has enabled the setting up of the Cairn. Family members, retired shepherds, members of the emergency services and the Mountain Rescue Team have all come together to contribute to this important commemoration."

Bill Ellis, team leader of the mountain rescue team, added: "Members assisted in the construction of the memorial cairn and we feel that it is a fitting tribute to the memories of the two shepherds lost in this tragic event."