NOTICEABLE increases in the numbers of fighter jets on exercise in the skies over the Lake District have been attributed to better flying conditions, rather than pilots preparing for military action in the Middle East.

The RAF claimed September's clearer flying weather with long periods of sunshine was the more likely reason, while the Ministry of Defence attributed the "increases" to the public being more aware of flying aircraft following the September 11 terror attacks last year.

Residents living in Staveley are convinced the growing frequency of Tornados through the area over the past few weeks is Britain preparing its air crews for assaults on Iraq.

Living below one flight-path is Anne Bland, 59, and neighbour Phyllis Kelly, 72, of Danes Road, Staveley, who said Tornados were flying over every day and at night, rather than the usual routine of Wednesdays, and the occasional evening.

"It has increased tremendously over the past few weeks," said retired teacher Mrs Kelly.

"They are obviously getting lower and lower and it is obvious to me why it has accelerated, and I am completely opposed to any war against Iraq, because there does not seem to be a shred of evidence they are going to attack us, or America."

Both neighbours complained of disturbances caused by the aircraft and said they were concerned that they were flying so low there could be another accident.

Tony Parrini, RAF community relations officer, based at Penrith, said: "We are always honing up our skills for whatever might be put in front of us in the future.

"There has been no announcement.

However, at the present time, world news would tell you that maybe, just maybe, sometime in the future, the RAF might be called into action somewhere.

"The people in Staveley have obviously got together and decided that must mean Iraq, that is up to them.

"Something could happen anywhere, like it did in Kosovo, and like it did in the Falklands."

He added that the weather had been fine for September and better than last year, which may make it seem as if there are more flights.

Mr Parrini said "very rarely" did aircraft dip below the 250 feet height restriction or go faster than 500mph.

Squadron leader Elaine McCloud, of the Ministry of Defence, refused to comment on a complaint which had not been resolved, but said any suggestion the RAF was preparing its crews for war was "complete rubbish and absolutely incorrect".

She added that "the majority of the UK" was more aware of aircraft since September 11 last year, and that to her knowledge she was not aware of any extra aircraft activity in the Lakes area.

Mrs Kelly said the explanations by the MOD and RAF were "absolutely ludicrous".

" We have had good weather before now and there has never been this many flying over," she told the Gazette.