Lake District mountain rescuers pose at Red Tarn with patron Prince William earlier this year

Police in Cumbria today renewed their appeals for walkers to stay off the fells.

The plea came as the Lake District’s 12 mountain rescue teams continued to join the massive efforts to help stricken residents and visitors during the current unprecedented floods. Heavy rain and high winds continued to batter the area today and into this evening.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Constabulary said: “Mountain rescue teams have been dedicated to the multi-agency response to flooding in the county since Thursday.

“The team members need rest and are on stand-by to assist the emergency services if required in affected towns such as Keswick, Cockermouth and Workington. This will leave people at greater risk if they get into difficulties in the fells.”

Flooding at Ambleside: Windermere has grown bigger during the deluge. Photo: Garmin UK/Twitpic

The spokesperson urged fellwalkers and mountaineers to think twice before going out on to the Cumbrian fells.

The spokesperson continued: “Police would urge people to postpone activities until the weather improves.”

The Lake District mountain rescue teams have been putting their skills, including swiftwater rescue techniques, to use alongside other volunteer agencies and police, fire and rescue and military crews since the floods hit the North-West of England early on Thursday.

All members of the 12 teams are unpaid volunteers.