A YOUNG couple who were spotted climbing among the precarious icy rocks of Helvellyn wearing jeans and thin jumpers have been criticised after laughing off safety advice.

Martin Graham, whose Twitter profile describes himself as a plumbing and heating engineer from Carlisle, posted a picture online after trying to offer safety advice to the couple.

After urging them not to continue along the narrow Striding Edge Mr Graham said they responded by saying "It's all part of the fun."

The picture shows the woman wearing a thin jumper and trainers while in a later reply Mr Graham said the man was carrying a thin parka jacket under his arm.

Many have taken to Twitter to highlight the dangers of climbing the mountain without suitable safety equipment while others argued anyone who is rescued in similar circumstances should be made to pay for the call-out of mountain rescue volunteers.

Last month rescue teams issued an urgent warning after a 55-year-old Wigan man died while walking up Helvellyn.

Richard Warren, chairman of the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association, said: "The teams across the Lake District really do want to get a message out about the winter conditions on the mountains and the need for preparation, planning and a real understanding of the risks that exist high up on the slopes.

"The messages will continue to go out about the need for the right equipment but even with the correct equipment accidents do happen and therefore people need to be prepared for every eventuality.

"Either to help yourself survive in the event of having an accident but equally helping others who they may come across and need helping."