TWO people have tragically died in separate incidents occurring on the Lake District fells this month.

The first two weeks of October have been exceptionally busy for the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, with 12 incidents occurring in the first nine days.

Five of these took place on a single day, all within four hours of each other. The incidents included two trauma, one medical emergency with the remaining nine being searches for lost and missing walkers.

All of the rescues have been on Scafell and Scafell Pike, two of the highest mountains in England, two of which tragically were fatalities.

Three mountain rescue teams responded to the incidents on October 6 which lasted over 12 hours in 'appalling' weather conditions.

Team spokesman Richard Warren offered his condolences to the loved ones of the two walkers who died.

He said: "The team’s hearts go out to the families and friends of the two walkers involved."

He also issued a warning to walkers to prepare for changing weather conditions as we approach the colder months.

He said: "We are now approaching winter when the weather conditions change dramatically and those wishing to venture on the fells need to be well prepared, especially as the hours of daylight are reducing and temperatures falling."

A spokesman for Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team added: "It is also a timely reminder that we are now approaching winter when the weather conditions change dramatically and those wishing to venture on the fells need to be well prepared, especially as the hours of daylight are reducing and temperatures falling.

"The weather during the nine hour rescue on October 6 changed dramatically as evening approached. It was appalling weather preventing flying and causing massive disruption to evacuation and communications.

"Our thanks to Duddon and Furness MRT and to Keswick MRT who responded throughout this period with additional team members and to the Cockermouth MRT who also offered their support. Thanks also to the Great North Air Ambulance crew, the North West Ambulance Service and the two Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopters from Caernarfon and Prestwick."

The spokesman added that the nine searches for missing walkers were 'avoidable' if properly planned.

He said: "It is also worth noting that the rescues involving the nine searches were all truly avoidable if properly planned.

"Ask yourself three questions before venturing out: do I have the right gear? Do I know what the weather will be like? Am I confident that I have the knowledge and skills for the day?

"Key to safety is a map and compass, a torch and the ability to navigate. Reliance on smart technology can and will let you down. Take a power bank to ensure mobile phones are kept fully charged. Please stay together as a group and walk at the pace of your slowest member.

"All the advice and guidance you need to keep yourself and your group safe can be found on www.adventuresmart.uk."