KENDAL Mountain Rescue Team has urged people to take 'sensible precautions' when heading outdoors this summer after its volunteers were called out eight times during the first three weeks of this month.

Team leader Eddie Harrison said July had been a 'busy period' for his members.

The organisation usually attends around 50 incidents per year but has recently seen an increased demand for its life-saving expertise. 

Throughout July, rescuers have tended to a runner with chest pains, four injuries following minor falls, two falls from mountain bikes and a dog which had collapsed due to the heat.

Several incidents were also attended by rescue helicopters.

Mr Harrison said: “This is probably just the result of more people going out on the fells during the exceptionally good weather that we have been enjoying.

“It is essential that people take plenty of water for themselves and any animals they may have with them.

“During these temperatures each person should expect to drink around two litres of water during a day out on the hill.

“Heat exhaustion is a very real threat and this can develop rapidly in to more serious life-threatening conditions.”