The hypothermic walkers were found at Helvellyn's summit shelter. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

The hypothermic walkers were found at Helvellyn's summit shelter. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Three mountain rescue teams were called out to bring a group of walkers to safety from England’s third-highest mountain after they were discovered suffering from hypothermia on its summit.

Two walkers came across the party of four at the cross shelter on top of Helvellyn on Sunday.

The pair rang 999 and Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 3.05pm.

A team spokesperson said: “While team members were ascending the 3,117ft high mountain, another four people had stopped on the summit to offer assistance.

“Due to the deteriorating weather conditions and the number of people now on the summit who were rapidly becoming cold, Patterdale team requested colleagues from Keswick Mountain Rescue Team and the Royal Air Force Mountain Rescue Team from Leeming, who were training nearby, to ascend Helvellyn from the Thirlmere side.

“A Coastguard helicopter was also requested, but initially was unable to get to the casualty site because of the bad weather.”

Patterdale team members treated the four walkers on the hill for hypothermia before moving them further down the mountain to a point the helicopter could reach and take them on board before flying them to hospital for further treatment.

The spokesperson added: “Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team would like to express its sincere thanks to Cumbria police, Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Leeming Mountain Rescue Team, National Maritime Operations Centre and Her Majesty’s Coastguard Helicopter from Prestwick for their help in a truly multi-agency rescue.”

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