Rescuers dragged from their homes to respond to "avoidable" incidents have been backed by the public.

Readers have responded overwhelmingly in support of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team, after a weekend rescue prompted a frustrated Facebook post by the team leader.

The team, which is made up entirely of volunteers, was called out on Saturday night, via Cumbria police, to assist a group of walkers who were making slow progress off the mountain. The group were in the dark and did not have torches. One walker had also suffered a minor injury.

It later transpired the team leader - who was tucked up safe - was actually in charge of 76 people, and two others were also missing.

A second rescue call-out, in the same area, was for walkers who had no torch or map - but admitted they would struggle to read a map.

Readers have reacted in force on the Facebook page, calling for a charge to be implemented on so-called "time-wasters".

Hugh Laverty wrote: "I drive a car and pay each year a subscription to the rescue services in case I break down and need assistance. Do I mind? No.

"Perhaps such a scheme should exist for mountain rescue: a small subscription each year, and if you are stranded then you can call on the service. However, if you aren't a member then a standard fee or rescue should be paid, just as would happen if you needed your car taking away after a break down.

"Maybe people would think twice about where they are going, with whom, the equipment they need and the time allowed."

Stephen Martin was more direct. "Charge time-wasters," he wrote. "You fantastic people give up your time to rescue people who are genuinely in trouble and do not need the [rubbish] that idiots send your way."

Marie Jones added: "Time-wasters and badly-equipped people should be charged for this. All charges should be used to buy equipment to help the mountain rescue teams, who do a fantastic job voluntarily."

Neasha Martin echoed the praise for the "amazing" mountain rescue teams, and urged walkers to be better equipped.

The Patterdale MRT Facebook post summed it up: "We don't mind helping at all but we'd really like to see more people taking the mountains seriously. We want people to keep themselves safe. That said, if you ever need a rescue team just call 999. We will always come out."