A SEARCH and rescue team covering the North York Moors has welcomed the increasing use of mobile phones in emergency situations.

The Cleveland Search and Rescue Team says mobiles have made it easier to communicate with walkers in distress - more than compensating for unnecessary call-outs.

In the Lake District, rescue teams have complained about climbers and walkers reaching for their mobiles far too quickly.

The president of the Langdale/Ambleside Search and Rescue Team, Stuart Huls, said mobile phones were reducing walkers' self-reliance.

"Since the popularity of the mobile phone, people are phoning up for the least little thing," he said.

"People used to go out and be able to read a map and compass. Now, the first sign of trouble and they're on that phone."

The Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association has acknowledged a rise in inappropriate use of mobile phones and is encouraging walkers not to consider mobile phones as their sole safety provision.

Its key advice to those exploring the hills is that having a phone in your pocket is no substitute for applying experience and common sense.

Unnecessary call outs received in recent years by the Longdale/Ambleside team include a request by a couple up on the fells in mist for a helicopter to collect them so that they wouldn't be late for dinner with friends, walkers ringing to request clean socks and boots and those who were feeling a bit peckish calling to request soup and coffee.

Peter Mounsey, of the Cleveland Search and Rescue Team, said the number of calls for assistance received from mobile phones had increased in recent years, although they were not unnecessary.

"They've made our lives easier," Mr Mounsey said. "We're alerted quicker."

He added that they were most useful when people were lost, injured or ill.

* Leading article: page 22.