INCREASING numbers of people are relying on the fire service to help remove them from properties because they are too obese to move.

New figures have been released that reveal that the number of bariatric rescues carried out by the service are on the rise, with Barrow needing the most assistance in Cumbria.

Figures obtained by the Evening Mail highlight a dramatic rise over the past three years, with numbers in Barrow almost double what they were in 2014.

<strong> Related content: Firefighters rescue more obese people trapped in homes </strong>

The statistics, released by Cumbria County Council, show that a total of five people in Barrow have been rescued this year, two from Hindpool, and one each from Ormsgill, Parkside and Walney North.

These figures put Barrow ahead of any district in Cumbria, with two rescues in South Lakeland (Mid Furness and Staveley in Cartmel), three in Allerdale and four in both Carlisle and Copeland.

In total, it shows that these rescues have increased from 14 to 18 a year since 2014, with 15 bariatric rescues taking place during 2015.

Rescues have also risen from three to five in Barrow alone.

Barrow Fire Brigades Union representative Tony Callister said that the service can be called on to move people for a variety of different reasons but always strive to carry out their job with the utmost care and respect.

"Green exercise" a massive boost for adult population

He said: "If there's difficulty with moving someone we have certain equipment to be able to move them ourselves and that could be for a variety of reasons.

"We all have our moments when we need help from emergency services or doctors and sometimes it can be uncomfortable or embarrassing but we work in a very sensitive way to comfort the patient and make them feel happier.

"We're here to help and support that vulnerable people and make it as comfortable for them as possible."