Felltop assessor Zac Poulton takes a reading as winds approach 60mph on the summit plateau. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A vital service for winter hillgoers in the Lake District is being extended due to the stubborn refusal of spring to arrive in the mountains.

The three felltop assessors employed by the Lake District National Park Authority will continue to provide reports until next Friday, as winter conditions continue to prevail on the summits of the national park.

The reports usually end at Easter.

Graham Uney, one of the men who makes the ascent of Helvellyn to provide weather, terrain and condition reports from the mountain, said: “I can now state that given the forecast for further wintry conditions, we are going to continue with felltop assessing on Helvellyn until next Friday, 6 April, and will review the situation then.

“We may not be able to ascend Helvellyn every single day, due to other work commitments, but we will do our best to keep you informed of the ground conditions over this period.”

Mr Uney said there were still too many people attempting the ascent of Helvellyn without ice-axes and crampons.

The reports can be seen on the Lake District Weatherline.