Walkers are being urged to be prepared when they head for the hills after recent visitors were caught out by heavy snowfall in the North East.
The region has been hit with blizzards and freezing temperatures throughout the week as a result of Storm Darcy.
The treacherous conditions have not put people off from climbing popular peaks, but there have been alarming reports of walkers wearing unsuitable clothing.
This includes people in The Cheviots wearing trainers, tracksuit bottoms and lightweight jackets – despite blizzard-like conditions and sub-zero temperatures.
And with weather warnings in place for the next few days, Northumbria Police has joined volunteers at Northumberland National Park Mountain and North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Teams in urging people to not put themselves, and others, at risk.
With winter conditions firmly in place across the hills of Northumberland, summit temperatures are set to remain at about -8C with a windchill down to as low as -19C at the weekend.
Keep up to date with the latest weather updates with our live blog here.
Mountain rescue team leaders, Iain Nixon and Keith Briggs, said: "In these conditions a simple trip and slip can lead to a serious life-threatening situation and anyone going onto the hills must be prepared for winter conditions and be dressed and equipped accordingly.
"This includes the ability to navigate in zero visibility, read avalanche terrain and be in possession of ice axe and crampons.
"We would ask – please don’t put yourself and others at risk."
Their views were echoed by Northumbria Police superintendent Andy Huddleston who works closely with the Mountain Rescue Teams.
He said: "Our valuable mountain rescue teams are made up entirely of volunteers – many with demanding day jobs – who are called upon at all hours and in all conditions to help those in need.
"It is extremely disappointing and concerning for the Police to see people putting themselves and these teams at unnecessary risk.
"At a time when emergency services are already under pressure, we all have a role to play in making sure these resources are not diverted to situations which could so easily be avoided."
