The team fits snow chains to its Land Rover for the rescue. Photo: Keswick MRT

Three children were among a family rescued after getting stuck in the snow on a remote Lake District track.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out by police about 7pm on Saturday to rescue seven people in 4×4 vehicles on the Old Coach Road, a byway that runs between St John’s in the Vale and Dockray.

A team spokesperson said: “This road is not a highway in the usual sense, but a rough track often used by 4×4 enthusiasts, mountain bikers and walkers.

“As it can be accessed from both ends, we requested the assistance of Patterdale team to work from the other end, which might prove to have easier access.

“In driving snow, the team turned out three vehicles, to be able to retrieve the occupants, which included three children, to safety. As the vehicle concerned was off the road, and stuck behind another 4 x 4, which was also stuck but not requesting assistance, the team confined itself to saving life, rather than acting as a recovery service.

The Old Coach Road seen in summer conditions

“Five members of the family were taken to a place of safety by Patterdale MRT, as their route out was less dangerous, while two stayed behind overnight with the vehicle.

The team then returned to their vehicles, and managed to extricate themselves back to the tarmac with the use of snowchains – an essential in the conditions.”

The four-hour rescue involved 16 Keswick MRT members plus colleagues from the Patterdale team.