Prince William is to become patron of Mountain Rescue ­England & Wales which represents over 55 Mountain Rescue teams.

The announcement follows the Prince's work experience with an RAF mountain rescue team in the period before he joined the army, and comes as mountain rescue prepares to celebrate it's 75th anniversary in 2008.

David Allan, Chairman of Mountain Rescue ­England & Wales, said, "It is with great delight and pride that we are able to announce that Prince William has taken on the role of Patron for Mountain Rescue in England and Wales."

"For many years we have deliberated whether mountain rescue should seek a patron who holds a prominent position in the country. These discussions have always foundered because we have been certain that we could only work with someone who empathised with mountain rescue and its raison d'etre."

"We believe that, apart from the honour bestowed, there will be very tangible benefits to mountain rescue. We also sincerely hope that Prince William will gain from his association with our organisation. He has expressed a desire to be involved and to meet the people who deliver the service on the hill and we look forward to that."

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