The boy was found by rescuers in the forest in Ennerdale

A 10-year-old boy found walking on a Lakeland forest track was able to guide rescuers to his injured grandfather.

The boy, and his granddad, both from London, had set off from Wasdale heading for Ennerdale when the 72-year-old slipped near the summit of Haycock.

Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team was alerted after the pair failed to turn up at the youth hostel at Gillerthwaite. The boy was found in Ennerdale about 1am this morning, Sunday, after going for help when his grandfather was unable to walk after his fall.

He was able to give rescuers enough information to help narrow down the search area and 16 team members joined the hunt for the man on the 797m (2,615ft) fell. The walker was found by a Search and Rescue Dogs Association handler and dog two hours later.

The boy was praised for his actions in going for help by Chris Cookson of Cockermouth MRT, who said the information provided meant his grandfather was found much more quickly. The boy had walked about 5km (3 miles) to get help.

Conditions on the felltops were misty and damp. The man was stretchered by members of the rescue team to a position below the cloudline from where a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from RAF Gannet, Prestwick, flew him to West Cumberland Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and hypothermia.