Five of the walkers were found near the East Buttress of Scafell

A rescue team spent nine hours searching for a group of walkers lost on England’s highest mountain.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was alerted after the seven reported themselves lost at 7.45pm after reaching the 978m (3,209ft) summit of Scafell Pike on Thursday.

Nine team members took part in the search and five of the party were eventually found on the neighbouring peak Scafell.

Two others, who had split from their companions, were found in Upper Eskdale.

A team spokesperson said: “A grid reference was given by the casualty party and a hasty search of the main paths was initiated.

“Two of the party of seven were located near the plank bridge in Upper Eskdale and they walked out to Brotherilkeld.

“The remaining five were located near Foxes Tarn gully and were then escorted to Brackenclose.”

The rescue, the Wasdale team’s 43rd of the year, ended at 4.45am.