The family was caught out in the dark at Stickle Tarn

Mountain rescuers are advising walkers and outdoor enthusiasts to carry a torch, after a family was caught out in the darkness.

The group, including young children, took shelter from a thunderstorm yesterday on the Lakeland fells.

By the time the storm had cleared the party was tired and night had fallen. Fortunately for the family, they were helped by members of the public at Stickle Tarn in Great Langdale.

A spokesperson for Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, which went to the walkers’ aid, said: “They were lucky to be assisted by three young men who were camped at the tarn.

“They fed and sheltered the family in the tent – cosy, I imagine – and called for help.”

The rescue team was alerted at 10.15pm and members made their way to the site and led the family to safety in the valley.

The spokesperson added: “The three campers were left in peace.” The three-hour rescue involved 12 volunteer rescuers.

The team had the following advice for anyone venturing on to the fells: “Whatever time of year, always carry a torch.

“You never know when or why you may be delayed. When it goes dark in the hills, it usually goes very dark! There’s little ambient light unless you are lucky to be out when there is a good moon and little cloud.

“It’s worth carry a set of spare batteries as well. If you’re lucky they’ll be the same size as other devices you might be carrying such as GPS.

“Modern LED torches are very reliable, and batteries last a long time, and it’s well worth considering a headtorch in favour of a hand torch, leaving your hands free.”