Members of the Search and Rescue Dogs Association joined the operation. Photo: Buxton MRT

Two walkers were airlifted to hospital after spending more than 18 hours on Kinder Scout in conditions described by rescuers as atrocious.

A major search was launched after the pair were reported missing in the early hours of Sunday as Storm Deirdre lashed the country.

The walkers failed to return home after setting off from Edale at 11am on Saturday.

The Kinder Plan, which involves calling out all four teams surrounding the Peak District’s highest hill, was put into action about 3am.

A police helicopter had to abandon its search due to poor weather.

Air-scenting dogs and their handlers from the Search and Rescue Dogs Association joined members of Edale, Kinder, Buxton and Glossop Mountain Rescue Teams.

As weather cleared later during the search, the teams requested the help of the Coastguard helicopter and the Humberside-based Sikorsky S-92 was able to fly to the area.

Shortly afterwards, about 5am, a group from the Kinder team found the two walkers in the Kinder Gates area. The pair were assessed and treated at the scene.

The walkers were found near Kinder Gates. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

The hypothermic walkers were then winched into the Coastguard helicopter, accompanied by a doctor from Kinder MRT, and flown to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield for further treatment.

Kinder MRT team leader Neale Pinkerton said: “All the teams were then able to stand down. A great result for all concerned.”