A mountain rescue group has paid tribute to a team member who has died.

Mark Slocombe, from Ramsbottom, was a member of the Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team (RPMRT).

He died after a battle with cancer.

The rescue team will not be posting anything to their social media channels on Thursday, April 20 as a sign of respect to Mark and his family.

A spokesperson said: “It’s with a very sad heart we announce the passing of a loved and well respected teammate Mark Slocombe.

“Mark was a happy, vigorous and infectious personality and all who knew him remember his love for travel, life and the outdoors as well as his commitment to Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team.

“Mark's passing is not only a shock and great loss but also untimely after a short but brave fight with cancer.

“Never to let life beat him, he put his thoughts down in a blog which even when things became tough he oozed positivity and hope.

“The teams thoughts and support are whole heartedly with his wife Nic at such a difficult time and we now look towards celebrating Mark on Thursday where we’ll be turning out as a team to say our goodbyes for the last time.

“Out of respect for Mark the team will be absent for all our social channels on Thursday for 24 hours.

“Thank you Mark! Thanks for being a teammate, for the laughs and memories and thank you for being you.

“Walk free on those hills now. This is all the team at RPMRT saying fairwell, God speed - listening out.”