The motorist's keys were retrieved from the Butter Tubs

Rescuers were called out to a Yorkshire Dales hillside on a key mission to help a stranded motorist.

Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team was alerted by police today to help a driver on the Butter Tubs Pass, scene of one of the Tour de France’s memorable climbs 10 days ago.

National park wardens also contacted the team to say the motorist had managed to drop car keys into the cave shaft at the top of the pass. The Butter Tubs are fluted limestone formations 25m (80ft) deep beside the road between Swaledale and Wensleydale.

A team spokesperson said: “A very small team descended, recovered the keys and all was well.”