MOUNTAIN rescue teams have thanked the public for staying at home since the UK's coronavirus lockdown began.

Richard Warren, chairman of Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association (LDSAMRA) said Cumbria's teams have received just one 999 call during this period.

He said: "Lake District Mountain Rescue teams would like to both thank our local communities and repeat the message about staying at home, explaining why it helps our NHS workers as the fells continue to remain very quiet. We cannot stress enough the importance of staying at home. Apart from helping to save lives in the wider community it will reduce the risk of Covid19 infection to our volunteers during any rescue and helps reduce the workload on our NHS."

During the same 16-day period in 2019, rescuers dealt with 28 callouts. These included six medical emergencies and 14 injuries and would have required 20 ambulance requests.

With good weather forecast for the Easter weekend Mr Warren said the Stay at Home message is vital.

Mr Warren added: "Thank you for staying at home, keeping the fells quiet, supporting our NHS and saving lives."