The group was camping above Glencoyne. Photo: Philip Halling CC-BY-SA-2.0

Mountain rescuers had to take to the Lakeland fells in the early hours of this morning, just three hours after getting back from a night-time incident in 80mph winds.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out for the second time last night about 1.10am after a group of six got into difficulties in what were described as atrocious conditions.

And one of the rescuers suffered a suspected broken ankle during the incident.

The team called on neighbouring Penrith and Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Teams to help them after the group of teenagers were hit by heavy rain and very strong winds while camping above Glencoyne.

A Patterdale MRT spokesperson said: “The group had been caught out by the very strong winds and heavy rain and had descended on steep ground to try and find shelter.

“During the evening each of their tents was blown down and the group ended up sheltering in one of the damaged tents. One of the group was reported to be suffering from hypothermia and all of them were cold and wet.

“Due to the severe weather, the number of young people in the group, and possible multiple casualties Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team called for assistance from Penrith and Kirby Stephen Mountain Rescue Teams which helped to help evacuate the group safely off the fell.

“The young people were then transported back to the Patterdale rescue centre where they were given hot drinks, food and dry clothes. The group was well equipped.”

Mike Blakey, Patterdale Mountain Rescue team leader, said: “The bad weather today was forecast yet we still undertook two rescues during the night, each lasting about five hours, and both brought about by the poor weather.

“During the second incident one of our team members was injured and is currently in hospital with a suspected fractured ankle.”

The second rescue involved 10 Patterdale members, 14 from Kirkby Stephen and six from the Penrith team.