Jason Taylor, one of the two Helvellyn felltop assessors

A mountain weather service that has run for 35 years is under threat.

The Lake District national park’s two felltop assessors make the daily journey to the summit of England’s third highest mountain to take readings and record weather conditions for the area’s forecast.

But the park authority says the service is now at risk unless sponsorship can be found to cover the £25,000 cost of sending the two assessors to the 950m (ft) summit of Helvellyn during winter months.

The two men, Jon Bennett and Jason Taylor, provide invaluable information about conditions underfoot, avalanche risk and recommended gear from their climbs up Helvellyn. Their reports are included in the Lake District national park’s Weatherline service which provides both online weather forecasts and a recorded phone message for walkers, climbers and other outdoor enthusiasts in the Lake District.

Assessors have made the daily trip to the top of the mountain for the last 35 winters.

But the service could be axed unless a sponsor is found to finance the cost and the authority is looking for an unpaid volunteer to help bring in the cash. The volunteer would need to be an experienced marketer or public-relations practitioner.

National park authority volunteer co-ordinator Tim Duckmanton said he needed someone who could commit to working one day a week, based at Brockhole, the national park visitor centre on the shores of Windermere.

“This is a very interesting, challenging and unique opportunity to get involved with. We are looking for someone with excellent communications skills, who is determined, resilient and well organised,” he said.

Anyone wanting more information should contact Tim Duckmanton on 01539 792674 or email him.

The Lake District National Park Authority, like all English national parks, has had its budget slashed by more than 30 per cent under stringent cuts imposed by the coalition Government.