The Lake District National Park's seasonal fell top assessors start their daily winter conditions reports from Helvellyn this week.

Working alternate weeks the two assessors, Graham Uney, in his second season, and long-standing assessor Jon Bennett, now in his ninth year, take shifts climbing Helvellyn every day to report on summit temperatures, snow depth, wind speed, underfoot conditions and possible hazards such as avalanches and cornices.

The only such service in England, the reports on what the snow and ice are up to are posted on the Lake District Weatherline from December to Easter.

In addition to his assessor role this season Graham Uney will be running a one-day winter skills course for walkers looking to learn the basics of how to use an ice axe and crampons.

'Taking a walk in the mountains during winter is a magical experience' he says, 'but once temperatures drop and ice and snow become an unknown factor, it’s important more than ever to make sure you are fully prepared before heading out to the hills. The Weatherline reports play a vital part in that preparation and the addition of the new winter skills course will give keen winter walkers the chance to learn how to use the right equipment and stay safe.'