HELP is at hand for the thousands of people who feel depressed at the thought of long dark nights now the clocks have gone back.

For those who feel like hibernating this winter a special telephone line is being set up to remind them of the glorious summer days spent in some of the Lake District's most beautiful locations, and remind them of what they can look forward to next spring.

Eric Robson, of Cumbria Tourism, the organisation behind the telephone line, said: "Many people dread the clocks going back but hopefully our Lake District Escape Line will inspire them to think more positively about winter and get outdoors.

"Few of us enjoy getting up in the dark or coming home in it, so making the most of daylight and how you spend your weekends could be important for keeping the winter blues at bay."

The recordings include: the sound of Windermere lapping against a jetty; the gush of Aira Force Waterfall in spate, near Ullswater; the sound of fresh air blowing across England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike; the crunch of leaves on a Lake District walk; a reading of Wordsworth's Daffodils by Eric Robson, a Radio Four presenter; and a Cumberland sausage sizzling in a pan at The Lakeside Hotel, Windermere.

Dr Marcus Roberts, head of policy at mental health charity, Mind, said: "What your parents said is true - fresh air and exercise are good for you, for your mind as well as your body, particularly in winter.

"Getting away to somewhere as naturally beautiful as the Lake District during the winter months can lift your spirits, as well as giving you plenty of opportunity to relax or do some exercise."

All of the sounds were recorded by Charley Darbishire an independent record producer, of Bright Blue Studios, in Ulverston, and he said: "It is one of the most unusual things I've ever done but by travelling to all of these stunning places to make the recordings, I realised that we should make the most of daylight during winter and especially at weekends."

The telephone line can be contacted on 0870-2241856 and calls are charged at the national rate. The sounds can also be downloaded free from www.golakes.co.uk so fed up commuters can play them on their way to and from work.