MOUNTAIN rescuers in the Lake District have warned there is a risk of avalanches as a result of recent wintry conditions.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team said: "The team would like to remind people that the fells are in full winter conditions and after the recent heavy snowfalls avalanche risks are high."

The warning came after the team's members were alerted by Cumbria Police to reports of shouts for help coming from the vicinity of Brown Cove, close to Helvellyn yesterday (Thursday) afternoon.

Members made contact with the fellwalker who had made the call from scene, and after further investigation of the area found it to be winter climbers who were "gearing up" for a winter climb.

The team were stood down and no further action was taken.