The group was caught out by darkness while walking on Skiddaw. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

A four-year-old child was among a group who had to be rescued from a Lake District mountain after getting caught out by the dark.

The family of three became benighted on Skiddaw on Thursday.

Rescuers said they had no torch.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 6.35on and used the Sarloc smartphone system which pinpointed their position on the western slopes of the 931m (3,054ft) fell, above Mirehouse.

A Keswick MRT spokesperson said: “Three team members with search dogs went out, located them on the fence-line at the foot of Dry Scale Gill, and walked them down to Dodd Wood car park.”

Five team volunteers were involved in the rescue, which lasted a little over an hour.

Late last month, Richard Warren, chair of the umbrella body for the Lake District’s 12 rescue teams, issued a plea to walkers to plan and equip themselves properly for their mountain trips as the clocks went back.

He said: “At this time of year, the most important piece of kit that seems missing from many rucksacks is a torch. Even with a map and compass and years of experience, when it get dark it is virtually impossible to safely descend a mountain without a torch.

“The message is therefore very clear for Sunday. Be prepared and be off the fell before it gets dark.”