A group of Chinese walkers was rescued at Esk Hause after it was found in distress by another group of walkers.

Keswick Mountain rescue team deployed 17 volunteers to help the group that was trying to reach Scafell Pike yesterday at around midday.

A spokesman for the team said the guide of the group that had found them offered to escort the group down the mountain.

He added: "They were cold, under equipped for the conditions and had become separated from one of their party.

"A Team search dog was mobilised in case the missing member of the Chinese group did not appear. Fortunately, the missing member of the Chinese party was located by the original informant as he brought the others down, so the team simply had to meet up with the descending group and support the visitors down to Seathwaite.

"Here they were offered a lift through to Langdale where their transport had been parked. They had been extremely fortunate to encounter a well led group, who did exactly what you would want them to do in the event of a mountain incident."