Rescuers stretcher a casualty from Blackstone Edge. Photo: Oldham MRT

Mountain rescuers said the 20 callouts teams responded to over the Easter weekend were 20 too many.

Mountain Rescue England and Wales, the umbrella body for teams south of the border, thanked all those who stayed at home and urged the public to continue observing government guidance.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: “Mountain rescue across the country received a total of 20 callouts over the Easter weekend. This was much quieter than usual but still 20 too many.”

Senior executive officer Mike France said: “We’d like to thank everyone who stayed at home and kept safe.

“We need everyone to keep being responsible by staying at home and, for their exercise, staying close to home.

Mike France: 'don't look for loopholes'

“With over 700 people dying every day, now is not the time to be testing perceived loopholes in the simple and straightforward public advice and guidance to stay at home. It is unfair for people to travel into national parks and other areas and, I assume, expect mountain rescue volunteers to risk their own lives, and those of their families and colleagues, if called.

“We’ve seen a massive drop in the number of callouts in the past month since the lockdown and we’re very grateful for that – thank you to everyone who has stayed at home. But it is vitally important that people continue to be responsible.

“That is what will save lives and protect not only the NHS but also our MR volunteers.”