Ice axe plea by mountain rescuers

There are now wintry conditions on Lake District fells

Walkers in Cumbria have been reminded of the importance of carrying ice axes and crampons.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team said that with wintry conditions on summits, edges and gullies, people should make sure they are properly equipped.

The warning comes after a man fell and slid 656ft (200m) from Swirral Edge on Helvellyn on Saturday.

He was assisted by members of the Patterdale team before being airlifted to hospital by Sea King helicopter.

The rescue team was already attending an incident involving two walkers who had become separated from their companions.