ONE of the country’s most unusual jobs is being thrown open to the public on online auction site eBay.

Online punters are being offered the chance to join Lake District mountain men on a life-saving mission.

Nine ‘buy it now’ bidders can clinch the 950m Helvellyn experience to record weather conditions as a fell top assessor for the day.

With a £90 price tag, rookies join the team and record conditions for Weatherline – the phone and web service which provides vital information from the hilltops.

While nine buyers will make the ascent together, the pièce de résistance is a one-off prize for an individual to join one of the two assessors for an extra special foray.

Lake District National Park Authority head of visitor services Adam Thomas said: “We are constantly looking at ways of finding additional funding to safeguard the service and hope the eBay adventure will be popular.”

Last year Peter Sharratt’s eBay bid bought him more than he bargained when he had a fell top assessing trek in extreme weather.

The experienced walker from Harrogate encountered 70mph winds and was forced to walk at a 45 degree angle. He enjoyed it so much he has just paid again for the privilege.

“It is an amazing experience and really brings it home just how important Weatherline is. It’s the only service which gives an accurate account of conditions on the ground.

“I’d say to anyone considering bidding, to go for it. They won’t be disappointed!”

The ‘buy it now’ option is currently running on eBay for one month. Weatherline is on www.lakedistrict.gov.uk.

To find the auction on eBay go to www.ebay.co.uk and search for ‘Fell Top Assessor Experience’.