Firefighters have urged the public to avoid unnecessary journeys as they were called out to a crash.

Firefighters from Appleby were joined by Cumbria Constabulary and Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team shortly after 11.30pm yesterday (January 8) after a car had come off the road up in the hills past Barras, Kirkby Stephen.

Emergency services attended to reports of four people in the vehicle.

A statement from Appleby fire station said: "With help from our colleagues from Cumbria Police and Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team we successfully carried out a rescue utilising our winch despite the difficult conditions and isolated location.

"During this national lockdown (stay at home) you should not be making unnecessary journeys and using up emergency service resources that could be attending other incidents.

"Nonetheless we were there to help and everyone went home safe and well."

A spokesman for Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team said: "We don't judge people, and there may have been a valid reason for them driving past the 'Road Closed' sign....

"Please think carefully before using minor roads in winter conditions, and be prepared to change your plans. One fire appliance, two police officers and two mountain rescue Land Rovers all unavailable for other emergencies for 4 hours."