NORTHUMBERLAND National Park Mountain Rescue Team (NNPMRT) asks the public to be 'adventure smart' this winter.

"Before anyone sets out for an adventure, remember that you'll have fewer daylight hours and you can expect it to get dark more quickly. This means you really should be carrying a torch and spare batteries," Iain Nixon, team leader for NNPMRT, said.

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"When teams respond to a call out at night, it can take us longer to get to people. This means that casualties will be sitting out in the cold for much longer."

Iain advises hill-goers carry warm clothing, spare food or hot drinks as temperatures drop.

"Given current weather conditions, even a simple ankle injury could lead to a serious case of hypothermia if a casualty is sitting out in the cold for 30 minutes or more. A bothy bag or small shelter can mean the difference between life and death in the winter.

"We really want people to be adventure smart and follow the advice on the adventuresmart.uk website. Plan your activity based on the amount of daylight you've got and your ability level."

If lost or injured in hills, moors or forests and you can call for help, dial 999, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.