The pair got lost near The Allotment while descending from Ingleborough's summit

Two walkers tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge had to be rescued after getting lost in the dark.

The Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation was called out shortly before midnight yesterday when the men, aged 37 and 43, rang for help after losing their way on the descent from Ingleborough to Horton in Ribblesdale.

A team spokesperson said: “CRO search parties and a search dog were deployed to cover the path from The Allotment to Horton.

“The walkers were found benighted near Sulber Pot, cold and exhausted, and assisted down to a team vehicle for transport off the hill.”

The Cave Rescue Organisation’s volunteers go to the aid of walkers, cavers and other outdoor enthusiasts both above and below ground in the Yorkshire Dales.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks is a 39km (24-mile) challenge taking in Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in a continuous circuit. The aim is to complete the route in 12 hours or less.