Stewart Hulse MBE, a well-known climber and lover of the mountains who had lived in Windermere and Ambleside, died on Saturday from unknown causes.

Mr Hulse, who was in his late 70s, played a big role in a number of mountain rescue teams across the county and was also on several national committees with governing body Mountain Rescue England and Wales.  He was a founding member of  Langdale Ambleside MRT and became Team Leader in the 1990s, a post he held for many years.

He was central to many campaigns including offering tax relief to mountain rescue teams and highlighting the dangers of uneducated groups taking to the hills.  He was never daunted about taking on authority.

Roger Bennett, Chairman of Buxton Mountain Rescue Team paid a special tribute to Stuart.  “He was a larger than life character who  dedicated his life to mountain rescue.  Modern mountain rescue teams owe a lot to Stuart who pioneered so many causes to improve operational standards.  He was a great friend to me when I was Team Leader of Buxton MRT.  He was always ready to listen and advise on problems even though they had no relevance  to the Lake District.  A true gentleman, honest and forthright. Mountain rescue needs people like Stuart and he will be sadly missed.”

Buxton MRT sends its most sincere condolences to Stuart’s wife and family.