Those heading to Raise in the Lake District with their skiwear say they have been enjoying the best conditions on the slopes for two decades.

Members of the Lake District Ski Club told the Westmorland Gazette the recent cold spell has left them with an ideal winter playground.

Club veteran Gordon Oliver told the paper: "I think the last time we had snow this good was in 1991. All the keen skiers have been getting up there really early to have a go."

He described the terrain as "Alpine" and noted that the snowfalls were so heavy that skiers had to dig out the ski tow before they could use it.

Those using the facilities this winter may also do so in far greater comfort than in past years, after members spent much of this year building a new lavatory hut - said to be the second highest flushing toilet in England.

A plaque on the building has said it was constructed during the "atrocious" summer of 2011.