Bridgedale product manager Chris Gordon joins the Patterdale team showing off their free socks

Hundreds of volunteer mountain rescuers in the Lake District will get free pairs of socks to celebrate a UK brand’s centenary.

Bridgedale has teamed up with 10 teams to supply each member with a pair of socks twice a year.

The Newtownards-based company will provide a pair of WoolFusion Trekker and WoolFusion Ultra Light socks to more than 450 members in the Cockermouth, Coniston, Duddon and Furness, Kendal, Keswick, Kirkby Stephen, Langdale Ambleside, Patterdale, Penrith and Wasdale teams.

Bridgedale said increasing numbers of people taking to the hills means the work of the mountain rescue teams is more vital than ever.

Team equipment officer Glenn Bridge said: “Our members need to be prepared for all eventualities, no matter how extreme the weather conditions are.

“Having comfortable feet is essential to ensure they get to any incident as quickly as possible.

“Bridgedale’s best selling WoolFusion socks deliver high performance and comfort, with excellent thermal and moisture control properties. This crucial piece of kit is guaranteed to perform in all terrains and weathers, from climbing high on Scafell Pike to scrambling across Striding Edge.”

Bridgedale managing director Steve Fowler said: “With increasing levels of callouts each year and the magnificent efforts of all team members, who give up their free time to protect outdoor enthusiasts, comfort in any conditions out on the hills should be a given.

“Here at Bridgedale, especially as we’re all passionate about the outdoors and with our sales office in south Cumbria, this is an ideal starting point to show our appreciation of the vital work all mountain rescue teams do.

“The plan is to roll out to other regions, including the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Wales, as part of our celebration of 100 years’ sock manufacturing in the UK.”