Mountain rescue hero who works at BAE Systems Samlesbury is honoured

Kevin Camplin MBE, employee at BAE Systems in Samlesbury.

A man who works at BAE Systems in Samlesbury has been recognised on the 2025 New Year Honours List.

Kevin Camplin who is part of the manufacturing team at BAE Systems’ Air Sector site in Samlesbury has been awarded a MBE.

He was given the prestigious title for services to Mountain Rescue in Lancashire.

Kevin joined the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team in 2002 – being the Team Leader between 2014 and 2023.

He previously held committee posts as the Team’s Training Officer and Deputy Team Leader.

Since stepping down, Kevin has continued to play a leadership role, working as the Mid Pennine Search and Rescue Organisation Operational Lead.

He said: “It is an unexpected honour to be awarded an MBE. It is as member of a team, alongside others, that provides all the support and delivery that means we can carry out our search and rescue activities within our communities”.

Kevin has given his time as a team member and provided leadership of the team through significant incidents such as the floods in Lancashire in 2015 during Storm Desmond and participated in the teams involvement for the Morecambe Bay cockle pickers tragedy in 2004.

He has also been involved in other incidents where the team has helped to rescue injured or missing people.

Rob, the current Team Leader said: “On behalf of myself and the rest of Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team, I would like to congratulate Kev on being awarded this honour.

“Membership of a Mountain Rescue Team is entirely voluntary, and it is no small undertaking to give the commitment needed as a team member and as a Team Leader for so long. Well done, Kev”.

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