A WORLD famous mountaineer has backed the Lake District Foundation’s Scafell Pike campaign.

Sir Chris Bonington - whose list of achievements include leading the successful Everest South West Face expedition in 1975 and reaching the summit in 1985 - has revealed his support for the campaign to help put a stop to erosion problems on England’s highest peak.

The routes up Scafell Pike are suffering due to an annual average of 100,000 pairs of waking boots treading the pathways - many of which belong to enthusiasts taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge.

In efforts to reverse the problems, last month the Lake District Foundation turned to the masses to help the charity raise money for the local ‘Fix the Fells’ campaign, as part of the larger, national ‘Mend Our Mountains’ crowdfunding initiative by the British Mountaineering Council – but the clock for donations is ticking.

Now, an extra boost has been welcomed, with Sir Chris adding his voice to calls for people to help the foundation reach its target of £17,000 by Sunday.

Sir Chris said: “Everybody should be able to enjoy the stunning fells of the Lake

District, but it’s vital that enjoyment doesn’t come at a cost to the fells themselves. Scafell Pike stands proudly as England’s

highest mountain and understandably attracts thousands of people every year who want to add it to their list of outdoor achievements.

“Work must be done to not only reduce the risk of harm to walkers, but to the mountain itself. I’d strongly urge people who love the Lake District, and mountains everywhere, to give whatever they can afford.”

Sir Chris will be a special guest speaker at the Kendal Mountain Festival next month, which runs from Thursday, November 15 until Sunday, November 18.

To donate to the campaign, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/mend-the-lakes.