YOUNGSTERS are being urged not to put their lives at risk by playing on the frozen Ulverston Canal.

Police and fire services issued the warning after teenagers were spotted playing on the ice.

Sgt Rupert Johnson, of Ulverston police, said: “I am appealing to everyone, and in particular parents, to discourage children from playing and skating on the canal.

“This is very dangerous for a number of reasons – the ice may not be thick enough to support any weight, and there is the unknown depth of the water below the ice, together with the water chill factor.

“The irresponsible actions of such individuals is not only endangering their own lives but also those involved in any form of rescue.”