A potholer who was among the team of rescuers at one of the world’s worst caving disasters has been honoured for his work.

Harry Long, a controller for the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, has received an exceptional service award from North Yorkshire Police.

Mr Long, of Silsden, helped battle in vain to reach the six men who drowned in Mossdale Caverns, in the Yorkshire Dales, in June, 1967.

The 69-year-old joined the rescue association 42 years ago, shortly after the four-day attempted rescue operation which was beaten back by torrential floods. Since then he has spent 11 years as an underground leader and the last 30 years as a controller co-ordinating rescue operations above ground.

And with new Government rules about insurance cover, he expects to be in the job for another six years.

“This is not just an honour for me but for all those people down the years who have made the job possible and helped achieve the results we have,” said Mr Long. “I joined the organisation 42 years ago, invited by Len Huff who was a controller of Upper Wharfedale.

“It was as a result of my involvement in the Mossdale Caverns incident and because I had been involved in a number of arduous cave and pothole explorations.

“They wanted someone who was familiar with the cave systems in Wharfedale.”

Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell said: “I am very pleased that we are able to show our appreciation for the dedicated support we receive from the search and rescue teams.”