Patterdale MRT warned walkers not to get caught out by the earlier darkness

Mountain experts warned walkers to go prepared as the days shorten and hillgoers risk being caught out by darkness.

The plea came after a group of charity walkers had to be rescued after becoming benighted in the Lake District.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called at 8pm last night after a group of nine completing a charity walk on Hartsop Dodd were overcome by the darkness.

A spokesperson for the rescuers said: “The group was lightly equipped and had no torches which considerably slowed progress. Members of the rescue team attended the incident and located them, providing lighting and assisted the walkers from the fell.”

The callout lasted two hours.

The spokesperson continued: “The team would like to remind walkers that with shorter daylight hours at this time of year it is advisable to always carry a working torch.”