WALKERS on the Lake District fells are being warned of a 'high risk' of gales, severe chills and persistent and extensive hill fog over the coming week.

A dedicated mountain forecast for the Lake District issued early today and valid until the early hours of Thursday, also carries a 'medium' warning of storm force winds.

The risk of heavy and persistent rain is at this stage said to be low and there is currently no risk of heavy snow or blizzards in the area.

In the valleys, there are no severe weather warnings currently in place.

Rain is expected to move in from around midday but wind speeds have dropped significantly although there could be gusts of upto 32mph.

Flood alerts issued yesterday by the Environment Agency remain in place for three rivers in South Lakeland - the Brathay, Rothay and Winster.

The agency last night also issued a flood alert for the northern Lake District, covering the upper river Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck and Derwentwater at Keswick.

Flood alerts are the lowest risk but warn people that flooding is possible and they should be prepared.