A CUMBRIAN vicar and two members of his congregation have featured in a new TV series focusing on the work of the county’s mountain rescue teams.

The Rev Paul Kerry and Phil Hall, who are both volunteers with the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, appeared in Lake District Rescue on More4.

Last year, a camera crew was welcomed into St Bridget’s Church at Moresby to film Paul christen two of the children Phil has with partner, Steph Kelly.

The baptism service for Gabriel, 2, and Sebastian, 1, featured in the third episode of the series, which aired on Sunday evening.

Paul said: “I joined the mountain rescue team just over two years ago and initially was a hill-going member, attending callouts.

“There was the odd occasion when I’d be out throughout the night and then have to lead services on the Sunday morning so it could be quite tough.

“On Easter Day last year I got home from the service to be called out to an ankle injury which needed a stretcher carry. Luckily there was no service that evening but that was the only time I was asked if I’d be taking to the hills in my robes!

“I’ve now stepped back to offer the wellbeing support which is a new direction for us as a team. I absolutely recognise the sacrifices that team members make which are highly commendable.

“It was wonderful to have so many members of the rescue team with us in church for the christening service. It was an opportunity for church members – many of whom are hill walkers – to have a chat with them too. It all worked well.”

Phil, 46, who works as a mechanical engineer at Sellafield has been a member of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team for the last 10 years.

He and his partner regularly attend St Bridget’s, with Steph having been confirmed there only last Sunday alongside the couple’s older son, Joseph.

Phil said: “When I first joined the mountain rescue team it was about spending time with my friends but since then it has changed for me, and it has become something far more spiritual. There’s an emotional aspect to it; ultimately it’s about caring for other people.

“It was great having the film crew at the church. It was not just about celebrating the mountain rescue team’s work but also about us celebrating other aspects of our life.

“Our church is a community in its own right and it was great to be able to reflect how welcoming the congregation is.”

In the latest episode, Phil is filmed as he and other members of the Wasdale team attend an emergency callout to a climber who is stuck on a rock face on Red Gill on Scafell.

He is keen that the programme highlights the key message of safety and prevention, in a bid to reduce the number of fatalities, injuries, and callouts.

He added: “We’re seeing the number of callouts increasing and certain types of incidents on the hill. So, we see the programme as an opportunity to promote mountain rescue whilst also putting out a message of safety and welfare.”