The runner is stretchered to safety. Photo: Adrian Ashworth Photography

A group of fellrunners was rescued after getting into difficulties on a windswept Peak District moor.

Two mountain rescue teams were called out to aid the four runners at 2pm yesterday on Cartledge Stones Ridge between the Upper Derwent Valley and Strines.

The group’s leader rang 999 asking for urgent help.

Woodhead and Edale Mountain Rescue Teams responded.

A Woodhead MRT spokesperson said: “On arriving at the initial rendezvous point a two-man advance party was dispatched to get to the casualty, some 5km away, as quickly as possible.

“Fighting driving rain and gale force winds, it took the advance party just under an hour to get to the runners.

“On reaching the runners, who were very well prepared for the conditions, it was found that one of the party, a female from the Manchester area and in her 30s, was suffering leg bruising after a fall which had subsequently led to mild hypothermia setting in.

“The runner was given food, a hot drink and warm dry clothes whilst waiting for the stretcher party to arrive.

“Two of the group were walked off the hill to safety by team members whilst the remaining runner kindly aided the 15 mountain rescue volunteers who took it turns to carry the casualty, who was now safely wrapped in a casualty bag and on a mountain rescue stretcher, the 5km back to the roadhead and an awaiting ambulance from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.”

Woodhead team member Ian Winterburn said: “The runners were very well prepared for the conditions; they had extra clothing, shelter and food.

“The good sensible decisions they made early on combined with being prepared for the worst case scenario saved a bad situation becoming so much worse.”

The rescue, which involved more than 20 volunteers from both Woodhead and Edale Mountain Rescue Teams, took just over three hours to complete.

The runner was checked over by paramedics and later released.