Lakes weather service launched

11:40am Tuesday 6th December 2005

A CRUCIAL winter weather service designed to protect walkers and climbers from potentially fatal conditions on the fells began its 31st season this week.

Hardy fell top assessors Liam Scott and Pete Collins will take it in turns to scale all 915 metres of Helvellyn everyday to check conditions for Weatherline, used by 200,000 people each year.

Carrying rucksacks filled with equipment, the pair will even work Christmas Day and New Year's Day to update the phoneline, which will also be available online for the first time.

But even though experts have predicted the coldest winter for a decade, the national park rangers are fully prepared for the task ahead.

And they are appealing for walkers and climbers to make sure they are properly clothed and equipped before leaving home for a day out walking.

"We are just asking for some good old common sense and we encourage people to enjoy the hills safely," said Pete Collins.

"Just about all the accidents on the fells in snow and ice could have been avoided if casualties has been aware of, and heeded, the advice on Weatherline."

Weatherline, which operates 24 hours a day, is available by calling 0870 055 0575 or by visiting www.lake-district.gov.uk/weatherline

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