A change in the law to allow walkers and climbers to carry personal locator beacons on land has been welcomed by senior policemen.

The Association of Chief Police Officers has issued a statement welcoming news that such devices are now permitted to be used on land, with deputy chief Constables Andy Cowie and Ian Shannon speaking on behalf of forces in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It said: "There is no doubt that we can save lives which might otherwise have been lost," pointing out that by demonstrating the exact location of the individual, rescue teams can find them much sooner.

And with satellite coverage being more comprehensive than mobile coverage, it will avoid people getting stuck in blind spots.

Those who do take such a device may still be wise to have Ordnance Survey maps with them, as not taking such a basic but vital navigational device has led to two call-outs in Cumbria from lost people recently, on Scafell Pike and Cross Fell.