Mountain rescue teams have had a busy year

Cockermouth Mountain Rescue team has seen a 20% increase in call-outs.

And John Dempster, from the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association says other teams are reporting a dramatic rise.

He puts it down to an increased number of people visiting the fells during the autumn months.

'Family life affected'

Mr Dempster said: "Following foot and mouth it has taken quite a long time for numbers to climb back up.

"But having walked the fells recently, my own view is that there have been a lot more visitors, particularly during September and October."

There are 13 mountain rescue teams in Cumbria, made up of volunteers, and whilst they are currently able to cope, according to Mr Dempster, the rescues do take their toll.

He said: "The biggest strain is on volunteer members with jobs and a family, because the call-outs don't come in a nice pattern.

"It may well be that you get two or three call-outs close together, and the biggest impact is on work and family life."