Further rain is forecast after some of the worst floods in living memory in the Lake District

Police in Cumbria are advising walkers to stay off the Lake District fells this week following unprecedented weather that has seen towns flooded and has cost a policeman his life.

Kendal, Cockermouth and Keswick have all been inundated. PC Bill Barker was swept to his death when the road-bridge he was on collapsed under the force of the flooded River Derwent in Workington. But the area’s tourism body was insisting many events, including the Kendal Mountain Festival were going ahead.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Tourism said visitors should check with venues and accommodation providers before setting out for the district.

Seathwaite, the base for last year’s aborted Original Mountain Marathon, experienced a record amount of rain.

Mountain rescue teams joined fire and rescue crews, police, lifeboat volunteers and Coastguard rescue teams in helping residents hit by the floods. RAF search and rescue Sea King helicopters were used to winch those stranded in the area.

Cumbria Police were advising people not to go out onto the fells this weekend. A spokesperson for Cumbria Tourism said: “However the fells are still open unless signs indicate otherwise although visitors need to be aware that conditions are treacherous in places and proper precautions should be taken including wearing appropriate clothing, checking the forecast and leaving information with someone of their planned route.”

The Lake District Weatherline is forecasting persistent rain tomorrow, with gale-force winds.

Ian Stephens, chief executive of Cumbria Tourism, said: “Most of the rain has now stopped across the county and the Environment Agency is expecting a break in the weather, which should result in a fall in river levels and an overall more positive picture across the county.

“There is still a range of things to see and do and places to stay and dine. Many key events are still going ahead as planned this weekend including the world-renowned Kendal Mountain Film Festival. The festival is Europe’s biggest mountain culture festival and attracts a worldwide audience each year including many budding filmmakers into the popular Adventure Film Academy.”

PC Bill Barker

PC Barker, a traffic patrolman, died while on duty in Workington on the Cumbrian coast.

Cumbria’s Chief Constable Craig Mackey said: “It is with deep sadness that I can confirm that the body found on a beach at Allonby this afternoon is that of our friend and colleague PC Bill Barker.

“Over the last few days Cumbria has faced some of the most severe weather conditions ever and Bill was amongst the hundreds of officers and staff dedicated to rescuing local people and ensuring the safety of our communities. He was directing motorists safely off Northside Bridge, saving lives, when the tragic incident occurred.

“Bill was a wonderful police officer and a real family man. He leaves behind a wife and four children in their home in Egremont – two boys and two girls – aged between 8 and 16. He was due to celebrate his 45th birthday tomorrow. Bill is a hero who died saving the lives of others and our thoughts are with his family at this devastating time. He was a much loved friend, colleague and an inspiration to everyone he knew. He will be sadly missed.

“His friends say he loved being a police officer and, a passionate biker, he was part of the constabulary’s dedicated roads policing unit. He was a sterling officer and had won a number of awards throughout his 25-year service with Cumbria Constabulary.

“Whilst this is an extremely difficult time for everyone involved in the rescue operation, our officers and staff continue to work valiantly to ensure the public remains safe.”

PC Barker’s widow Hazel paid tribute to her late husband: “How do you put into words how you feel about somebody you are so proud of? Bill was my best friend, my forever friend, and an amazing dad. Even when he was exhausted from work he would always take time out for the kids.

“I have the comfort of knowing that Bill died doing the job he loved and the fact that he was helping others is just typical Bill.”

When grough contacted a spokesman for the Kendal Mountain Festival this morning, he confirmed the event was continuing.