Leck Fell, scene of the rescue. Photo: Karl and Ali CC-BY-SA-2.0

A caver was rescued from a Yorkshire Dales pothole in a five-hour operation.

The Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation was helped by six other cavers after a 21-year-old got into difficulties in Peterson Pot on Sunday.

The man was unable to exit the cave, part of the Ease Gill system on Leck Fell in Lancashire.

A spokesperson for the rescue team said he became exhausted at the far side of Roly-Poly Passage and was unable to exit the pot. 18 volunteer team members were called out about 3.25pm.

“CRO teams entered the top of the system from Peterson Pot and the bottom through Mistral Hole,” the spokesperson said.

“The caver was found at Skydive Drop and was assisted and escorted to the surface via Mistral Hole at 8.30pm.

“Thanks to the six ‘co-opted cavers’ who assisted the CRO members.”