The walkers got into difficulties at Sulber crossroads. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Rescuers who went to help an exhausted challenge walker discovered another walker in difficulties nearby.

The Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation was called out on Saturday evening to help a 30-year-old woman attempting the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

Another walker reported the woman was unable to continue the final section of the 39km (24-mile) route after reaching Sulber crossroads on the flanks of Ingleborough.

A team spokesperson said the walker was tired and had extremely painful knees. “As the casualty was being put in the vehicle, a second walker was found nearby, who was similarly incapacitated,” the spokesperson said.

The two CRO members drove the 48-year-old man, along with the female walker and two walkers who had stayed to help the pair, back down to Horton in Ribblesdale in one of the team’s vehicles, where they were handed over to waiting friends and relatives.