Llanberis is one of a number of teams covering Snowdonia

Llanberis Mountain Rescue team is one of a number responding to emergencies in Snowdonia.

However, the average age of the group is 50, and members are worried the group could eventually disappear if new people do not come forward.

The problem has also affected other teams in the area, such as the Aberglaslyn-based group.

Speaking during a training session on Snowdon, rescuer Charlie Graham said the majority of the people present were in their 40s, with just two or three younger than 40.

"Our average age here is about 47, 48."

The Llanberis team is trying to avert future problems now by encouraging younger people to take an interest in mountain rescue.

Rescue cover as it is right now in Llanberis and on Snowdon will have to change in nature Ian Henderson

But some members of the group think it could prove difficult.

At 64, Meirion Thomas is one of the oldest serving rescuers with Llanberis.

He told BBC Wales: "One thing is they are not getting paid. It is all voluntary.

"It think they prefer these days to sit in the pub drinking than being out [rescuing] perhaps all night."

Fellow member Liz Robertson, 38, thought there could be a problem with the perception of the type of people who became mountain rescuers.

"I think [younger people] find it a bit intimidating or a bit over the top, and they never really consider being a member even if they had lots of offer."

'Smaller teams'

The problem seems to be specific to the north. Mountain rescue teams in south Wales have reported no difficulties recruiting, and in some cases have volunteers on waiting lists.

Ian Henderson, the secretary of the Llanberis team, is not sure what the future holds for them.

"Certainly rescue cover as it is right now in Llanberis and on Snowdon will have to change in nature," he said.