A MOUNTAIN rescue team in the Lake District have scrapped using plastic tags and replaced them with woolly bags from sheep.

Volunteers with Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team used to use plastic seals on the packs they take up into the hills when lives are in danger.

Upland ranger Sarah Anderson realised there was a more sustainable way to go after talking with a neighbour who works for a designer using Herdwick wool.

Mrs Anderson said: "When we have a rescue call-out, we seal our bags once the contents are checked so we know they’re packed correctly.

"But we’re conscious that we drop these occasionally, leaving plastic lost in the outdoors.”

Letty Ashworth, who works at the Woolly Rug Company makes the woolly accessories from Herdwick wool at Lakeland Stitch using the wool from the native Herdwick sheep.