The group was lost on Broad Crag

A group of lost Three Peaks Challengers was rescued by a team leader – from his front room.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was contacted by police at 10pm yesterday, Friday, after five walkers had called 999 after getting lost in the dark while coming down Scafell Pike.

The rescue team leader used the Sarloc system, devised by former Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation member Russ Hore, to pinpoint the group’s position from his home.

The software sends a hyperlink to the smartphone of the person needing help which, when followed, allows the rescuers to get a grid reference for their position.

The Wasdale MRT team leader was able to direct them from their position on Broad Crag and give them bearings to enable them to walk themselves to safety off the mountain.

They were back in the valley by 3am today.

A team spokesperson said: “The group was doing the Three Peaks Challenge and was well equipped for the conditions, just lost.”