The British Mountaineering Council headquarters in West Didsbury, Manchester

The British Mountaineering Council’s membership has climbed to record levels.

The council, which represents hillwalkers, mountaineers and climbers in England and Wales, saw its numbers peak at 70,000 in December. The increased membership will boost the BMC’s coffers, with half its funds coming from subscriptions.

The BMC’s chief executive Dave Turnbull said: “It’s great to see our membership in such good shape and continuing to grow. Membership subscriptions account for approximately 50 per cent of BMC income, so it is clear we rely on members’ support to sustain our services, work programmes and new initiatives. So please keep encouraging your mountain-loving friends to join the BMC.”

The BMC said reasons for people joining the organisation included embarking on a training award; taking out BMC insurance or taking advantage of other membership benefits; supporting the council’s work to conserve the mountain environment and to secure access to crags.