The Pennine Way on Wessenden Head Moor, scene of today's rescue

Four walkers on a national trail were rescued after torrential rain led to them being cut off by a beck in spate.

Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team went to the aid of the walkers on Wessenden Head Moor this evening in conditions described by the volunteers as ‘horrendous’.

The group of walkers was caught out on the moorland between Black Hill and Wessenden Head, west of Holmfirth in West Yorkshire.

Two of the walkers also suffered minor leg injuries while out on the moor.

The Holme Valley team used emergency shelters to protect the walkers from driving rain and then improvised its stretchers to form makeshift bridges across two swollen streams, with ropes used to add to the safety of the walkers.

A spokesperson for the team said: “Speed was vital as the streams were rising quickly while the rescue operation was being carried out.

“Once at the road the walkers were handed over to the ambulance service who, it is believed, transported them to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.”

Meanwhile, Cumbria Constabulary warned anyone venturing on to the county’s mountains should be properly equipped. The warning came on the eve of what is traditionally the busiest weekend of the year for charity walkers tackling England’s highest mountain Scafell Pike as part of the Three Peaks Challenge.

Long daylight hours just three days after the summer solstice mean many groups schedule their attempt at this time.

Police said local residents and people visiting the county should take care over the weekend following weather reports predicting persistent heavy rainfall, as this could cause some localised flooding across the North-West.

“There may also be standing water on local roads so police are urging motorists to drive to the conditions, take extreme care and not attempt to drive through flood waters,” a spokesperson said.

“Members of the public who are visiting the Lake District are advised to only to take to the fells if properly equipped.”

The Environment Agency currently has 27 flood warnings in place across northern England, mainly in the North-West. The warnings mean immediate action is necessary as flooding is expected. A further 46 flood alerts have been issued for the North-West of England, North-East, Wales and the South-West, where flooding is possible.

The agency said Keswick Campsite is in danger of flooding due to rising water from Derwent Water. Parts of the town are also likely to flood, it said.

The Mountain Weather Information Service said rain will continue tomorrow in northern England and southern Scotland, with upland gales easing only slowly.