AN AFTERNOON'S kayaking on Derwentwater nearly turned to tragedy for four people after one of the vessels overturned.

The fire service, coastguard, police, ambulance and the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team were scrambled yesterday.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue got a call about the incident at 5.59pm.

A spokesman for Maryport Coastguard Rescue Team said: "We arrived on scene to find Cumbria police, the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service Maryport Inshore Rescue.

"It was found that four people had been out kayaking and came in to difficulty and overturned one of the three kayaks.

"We requested a helicopter and Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team to help search the lake.

"All casualties were found safe and well and all teams returned to base to make ready for when we are needed next."

A spokesman for Cumbria Fire and Rescue said: At 5.59pm on October 22 three fire engines and a water rescue team were called to barrow lodge, B5289 Grange bridge to the junction with Watendlath at Barrow bay, Borrowdale with reports of three casualties in the water.

"On arrival, fire service personnel rescued four casualties from the water and were left in care of ambulance personnel. The mountain rescue team, ambulance and police also attended.

"The fire service were in attendance approximately two hours ten minutes."