FOR all of its much-publicised beauty, there are some downsides to the huge mountains which attract hundreds of thousands of people every year to come to explore in the Lake District.

Although many come prepared for walking the fells, some do not.

And even those who have decades of experience and are fully-equipped can find themselves in trouble.

Luckily we are blessed here in the Lakes to have fantastic support in the shape of our mountain rescue teams.

They are available 24/7 at the drop of a hat to rush to the aid of stricken walkers.

Despite their skills and experience in navigating the Lakes and helping those in need, sometimes even they have to call for support from above.

And that could soon be about to get even better.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service has revealed it has successfully trialled the world’s first jet suit paramedic.

The project is a collaboration between Gravity Industries, which has developed and patented a 1050 brake horsepower jet suit, and the GNAAS.

The test at the Langdale Pikes saw Gravity Industries founder and chief test pilot Richard Browning fly from the valley bottom to a simulated casualty site on The Band, near Bowfell.

The simulated casualty site would take around 25 minutes to reach by foot, however, the jet suit is able to cover that distance in 90 seconds.

Every second counts when responding to rescues.

The time difference is massive and could potentially help save lives - as well as easing suffering for people with serious injuries.

The charity responds to more than 1,500 call-outs a year in its fleet of helicopters and rapid response cars crewed by specialist doctors and paramedics.

The charity is dependent on donations to survive and last year needed to raise £5.3m.

The vision demonstrated by the GNAAS to continue to strive towards improving their service using the latest technology - even during a global pandemic - should be applauded.

It has not been revealed when we could soon be seeing flying paramedics rising high into the Lake District sky - but let's hope it is not too long.