THE Lake District National Park has appointed its newest Fell Top Assessor.

Wes Hunter will join colleagues Jon Bennett and Zac Poulton as they kicked off their daily ascent of Helvellyn to bring the popular 'boots on the ground' reports for outdoor enthusiasts.

As the winter season was launched on Friday the National Park's newest Fell Top Assessor said he couldn't wait to start his new role.

His duty will consist of him or one of his colleagues to climb to the summit of Helvellyn to take condition readings which, coupled with Met Office data, will provide the Lake District's walkers and climbers with advice on how to reach the top of the mountain safely.

The team will do this every day between now and April including Christmas and New Year’s Day.

“It feels surreal to be wearing the iconic fell top assessor uniform and I’m sure I can learn lots from Jon and Zac," said Wes.

"I know how vital our daily reports are as I’ve used them myself in the past.

"I’d encourage anyone thinking of venturing out onto the fells during the winter months to have a look at our readings, but also to remember to be prepared, have a backup plan.

"And no matter how experienced you are, please remember that turning back is sometimes the wisest decision you can make if conditions worsen. The fells will always be there another day.”

Now in its 32nd year the Lake District National Park’s team of Fell Top Assessor provides this invaluable safety service daily.

The team, who is sponsored by Mountain Hardware, Julbo, La Sportiva and Petzl, also provide small group and one-to-one winter skills courses to ensure people are as prepared as they can be for the fells during the winter.

Jon, now in his 12th season as a National Park Fell Top Assessor ,will during this year hit the heady heights of his 600th assent of Helvellyn.

He said: “My favorite shift from last year was a day I was walking along Striding Edge in the sun with a Brocken Spectre on Red Tarn for company.”

The Fell Top Assessor’s reports are published daily on lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk.

The assessors also use @lakesweather on Twitter. For more information about their winter courses visit the website.