A UNIQUE team that will help ensure winter walkers are safe on one of the country's highest mountains has returned to action.

One of the Lake District's fell top assessors will ascend Helvellyn each day between now and April to provide a 'boots on the ground' condition report to help keep walkers safe.

Jon Bennett, who will be braving the mountain while most are tucking into turkey on Christmas day, said: “I’m really encouraged that many more people have found the benefits of the great outdoors and nature and are keen to explore the Lake District.

"Health and wellbeing is particularly important during these times."

Zac Poulton, another of the national park authority's fell top assessors, said: “As we’ve seen many new visitors to the national park over the summer months, I think it’s more important than ever to ensure that people know that the fells in the winter are a very different place.

"You do need to be prepared with the weather and condition forecast, the knowledge, skills and equipment and also be aware of your own capabilities."

The team began work again on Monday. Visit lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk to access the daily report shared by the fell top assessor team.