A LAKE District mountain rescue team has launched two news designs to add to its collection of fundraising greetings cards.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team has issued the cards in time for Christmas and fund raising officer Nigel Harling believes they will sell especially well at this time of year.

"We always try to include new images each year," he said. "We’re very lucky to have a couple of great photographers involved in the team and, this year, we’re also featuring an image created by a local supporter, Mark Littlejohn."

Since retiring from Cumbria Police, Mark has split his time between working with the Ullswater Steamers and teaching landscape photography.

“The combination of the two has helped create a strong affinity with the Ullswater area,” he said. “Having worked in north Cumbria, I have always been well aware of the work the mountain rescuers do and I was always keen to help out if I could.

"I have always liked this wee tree set against a steep hillside at Matterdale and thought it would be great in a blizzard. Catching the lone Swaledale sheep underneath was the icing on the cake so to speak - it would have been better to be a Herdwick but that’s life!”

The second image, by former team member and now trustee, John Williams, was also taken in winter, just after Christmas. It features Striding Edge on Helvellyn in ice and snow conditions.

“Having this image in the card collection is a good opportunity to remind everyone of the care needed if they’re planning to see the route in these sorts of conditions for themselves,” said John. “You can judge the scale of the ascent by the small figures further along the ridge in the picture. The conditions are exhilarating but the route demands respect as, once committed, there are no alternative escape routes.

"Winter equipment, including crampons and an ice axe, must be carried and you need experience too - it is certainly not the place to attempt your first winter outing! Better to gain winter skills on something more forgiving and then come to Helvellyn when you are ready to enjoy this spectacular setting.”

Both cards are available to buy online now at www.patterdalemrt.org.uk at £7.50 for a pack of ten (including postage and packaging) along with a selection of designs from previous years featuring everything from deer or Ullswater Steamers to autumn landscapes or winter training activities. All proceeds go to Patterdale Mountain Rescue Association, the registered charity that funds and supports the work of the team.