AN emergency operation has been launched by the NFU, RSPCA and farmers to find sheep and lambs buried in snow drifts.

Rescue attempts will be made across the Broughton-in-Furness area and up into Eskdale over the next few days.

Broughton NFU group secretary Esther Pritt said: “We have three or four RSPCA inspectors making their way up here now.

“We are starting in Bootle but I’ve had phone calls from farmers in Eskdale. One there doesn’t know where 700 sheep are.

“Up there the farmers have only just dug themselves out, let alone the sheep, so goodness knows what trouble they have had.

“We are meeting at Henning House farm in Bootle where there are 10 foot drifts across four fields.

"Hopefully there is a chance of saving some of the livestock there.”

She said the NFU were hopeful of extra help from anyone experienced in working in such extreme temperatures.

“We don’t want to put more pressure on the mountain rescue teams with people who don’t know what they are doing.

“But anyone who has that experience of working on the fells in severe conditions and has the appropriate clothing and equipment would be appreciated.

“We are also hoping the Army might be able to lend us some support.”

Anyone able to help with the rescue operation can call Esther on 07812 622874.