A family was thrown into a four-day search mission after their two dogs disappeared.

And thanks to the efforts of over 120 people, two drones and the smell of sizzling sausages, they are now home safe.

Liz and Graham Hampson, of Cockermouth, were distraught when miniature schnauzers Charlie and Theo disappeared on Friday, on top of Buttermere fell Red Pike.

The dogs were being walked by their son, John, who lost sight of them after the mist came in.

He phoned his mum who, within minutes of them disappearing, had launched a campaign, contacting mountain rescue teams, friends and family.

More than 120 people took to the hills over the next four days and even drones were used. More than 50,000 people were reached through Facebook and Twitter.

Liz said: “I was beside myself when John called. The dogs walk off lead when there is no livestock around and are used to being on the fells.”

Liz, who works in emergency planning at the police headquarters in Penrith, and Graham, who works in nuclear services, camped at Crummock on Friday night.

The following three days were a frenzy of activity. Friends, family and neighbours were scouring the fells. But there were no sightings.

“Charlie and Theo are our family, we were worried sick and not sleeping,” added Liz.

Maryport GP Mark Steel, a member of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, got involved in the search with his miniature schnauzer Jasper, brother of missing dog Charlie.

After searching around Red Pike on Saturday, he had a hunch the dogs would head down to High Gillerthwaite.

“Jasper and I went up on to Dodd on the Sunday. The plan was to drop down to Gillerthwaite but it was so hot Jasper ended up in the rucksack and we had to head back. I had to dunk him in the tarn to cool him down,” said Dr Steel.

He passed his location thoughts on to Liz and Graham. On Monday they headed down to High Gillerthwaite.

“We barbecued some sausages at the side of the stream, to attract them. We could see the path up to Red Pike and were shouting and shouting,” said Liz.

Two-and-a-half hours later, they packed up.

Liz said: “Then I spotted the dogs at the top of the tree line. I couldn’t speak. I was stood there crying – I was a gibbering wreck.”

Charlie and Theo were “very smelly and hungry”, according to Liz, but otherwise fine.

The family say they are indebted to everyone for their support.