Abergavenny-based mountain rescuers have sent out a seasonal message to walkers before next week’s traditional festive walks.

Longtown Mountain Rescue Team want to remind walkers that after the weeks of wet weather the ground and tracks in the area are particularly hazardous at the moment.

Chairman Mike Jones said, “The Boxing Day walk is such a great tradition with so many people young and old.

“But this year has been particularly wet and the conditions locally are treacherous. A significant proportion of the injuries we encounter are lower leg injuries after a slip or trip.

“Sensible footwear and a waterproof jacket are vital in this weather. If you are heading up to the mountain tops low cloud can confuse even the most experienced walker so don’t forget a torch, map and compass.

“But most of all we hope that everyone enjoys getting out and about over the festive period and returning home safely.”

The seasonal message comes after the team was joined for one of its regular training sessions by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Gwent, Commodore Toby Elliot OBE.

The training exercise on The Blorenge mountain last Sunday (13th) was a simulation of a rescue of a walker who had suffered a lower leg injury. Treatment of the casualty at the site was followed by an evacuation by stretcher off the mountain.

“Commodore Elliot experienced at first hand the management of a search for a casualty together with his treatment and recovery by stretcher,” said Mike. “ Afterwards he joined the team at our base for a debrief.”

Twenty two members and two search and rescue dogs took part in the four hour operation.