Rogue riders have been targeted by police after quad bikers and motorcyclists carved up one of the most picturesque places in Cumbria.

Officers launched a drone to keep a watch out for menace motorists as they started a campaign to stop scrambler motorbikes and quad motorcycles spoiling a part of Caldbeck Common.

Huge track marks have been left at a beauty spot in one of the county's most remote spots after yobs used it to perform stupid stunts.

An operation featuring a number of public agencies was held to crack down on illegal off-roaders.

Officers from Cumbria police were joined by rangers from the Lake District National Park Authority at Fauld's Brow Quarry on Caldbeck Common.

Search teams broke off to scour the area for scrambler motorbikes and quad bikes.

The drone was also used to patrol the Caldbeck and Uldale fells, with the number of reports to police about illegal off-roading increasing in recent months.

It is an offence to ride a motorbike or drive a motor vehicle on a footpath, bridleway or restricted byway - or on land that is not land forming part of a road - without the permission of the landowner.

"Vehicles have been causing damage to the fells and can also damage the habitats and environment for a lot of animals in the area," area ranger Cath Johnson, for the LDNAP, told the News & Star.

"What we want to do is raise awareness about what riding on the Cumbrian fells can do to the local environment."

If caught, a driver or rider can be prosecuted with either a fixed penalty ticket or court appearance.

They risk having their licence endorsed with penalty points and in some cases, their vehicle can be confiscated.

Although no-one was caught during yesterday's operation, police and the LDNPA took time to liaise with members of the public and provide them with information to ensure that they were aware of the relevant law.

"This saw us join forces with the LDNPA to target the illegal and antisocial use of motor vehicles which have been abusing our countryside," said PC Sarah Rolland.

"The Caldbeck and Uldale fells offer some outstanding scenery for the county's residents and visitors to enjoy.

"However, sadly over recent months there has been an increase in illegal off-road activity, which has resulted in a lot of damage.

"There are some off-road routes in this area and around the county which are legal to drive on, but it's important that motorists research where they can and cannot be to ensure they are driving legally.

"We will continue to work with our partners to run operations of this nature, ensuring that this wonderful area is not destroyed by the damage that these vehicles can, and have, caused."