Drivers were caught out by winter weather on Kirkstone Pass. Photo: John Holmes CC-BY-SA-2.0

Mountain rescuers pleaded with motorists to drive within their capabilities after they were called out to help the occupants of two vehicles stuck in snow on a high Lake District pass.

Police requested assistance from Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team about 11.10pm yesterday when the motorised became stranded on the Kirkstone Pass between Patterdale and Windermere.

Volunteers from the team spent two hours at the incident after snow hit the A592, which reaches a height of 455m (1,493ft).

A team spokesperson said: “Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team would like to encourage motorists to drive within their capabilities in winter weather and ensure that their vehicle and the occupants are appropriately equipped for cold and wintery conditions.”