Rescuers searched in the Mosedale area and Brunt Tongue

A group of three walkers was found after an eight-hour search on the Lakeland fells.

The trio called for help when they got lost in atrocious conditions, with strong winds and thick fog, after setting out from Mardale Head on the shore of Haweswater.

Penrith Mountain Rescue Team was alerted at 4.30am on Saturday to help the three men, who reported one of the group was suffering from hypothermia despite, the team said, being well equipped.

They had set off with the intention of spending the night at Mosedale Cottage, a bothy in the remote eastern Lake District valley of Mosedale.

A Penrith MRT spokesperson said: “The team was deployed along with search dog Dottie to locations near to Mosedale Cottage, covering the approach from Gatesgarth and the area around Brunt Tongue.

“Patterdale MRT and Kendal MRT were also asked to assist in the search, along with four additional search dogs.

“As these additional personnel were responding, the group was found after a team member heard a whistle being blown. After providing initial first aid, team members escorted the walkers to Mosedale Cottage to warm them up and feed them.

“Despite being exhausted, the casualties were able to walk out with assistance, via Swindale.”

The eight-hour rescue involved 10 Penrith MRT volunteers.