A DRAMATIC increase in deaths and injuries on the Lake District fells over the past year has left Cumbria's top mountain rescue boss 'worried and shocked'.

Richard Warren, chairman of the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association, said the rise in fatalities from 11 in 2014 to 30 was of 'great concern'.

And he also warned a growing number of mountain bike incidents - up 185 per cent - was 'too high'.

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In his report for 2015, Mr Warren said: "The number of incidents attended by our teams last year is showing a very worrying and quite shocking picture.

"A total of 535 incidents across Cumbria compared to 474 in 2014 - a 13 per cent increase that we hope will not be an upward trend.

"Of great concern is the number of fatalities - 30 compared to 11 in 2014. The majority of these were medical collapses usually associated with heart attack."

Most of these involved fell walkers.

Mr Warren said the number of deaths equalled the previous worst year in 2010 when the Lake District's 12 mountain rescue teams attended 600 incidents.

Mr Warren said an activity of 'major concern' was mountain biking.

"A 185 per cent increase in incidents, up from 13 in 2014 to 37 last year, is too high and somehow we must get a safety and awareness message to the growing numbers of people taking up this sport as injuries are not minor."

"Education and awareness of the dangers and risks for the ill-prepared remain prime concerns for the teams and hopefully in time the message will get across.

"I make no apology for repeating this mantra every year if it helps save a single life."

Mr Warren's report also reveals the extent of mountain rescue teams' involvement in flood rescues following storms Desmond and Eva in December.

"More than 500 team members from within and outside Cumbria worked tirelessly to help those in need of evacuation and rescue.

"Many worked 48 hours non-stop.

"Throughout December the teams incurred equipment damage and loss of over £20,000 uninsured costs and contributed 12,000 man-hours of volunteer time away from home and work."

Mr Warren said the annual running costs for the Lake District teams was between £30,000 and £80,000 a year 'and rising'.

Most of this was raised through donations, bequests and legacies.