Scafell, with Broad Stand and Mickledore Chimney on the left

Two walkers were rescued after getting stuck on crags on England’s second-highest mountain.

The pair were brought to safety in a 6½-hour operation involving 20 mountain rescuers and an RAF helicopter.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 8pm yesterday after police were called by the pair who were stuck on Mickledore Chimney on Scafell.

The site, 920m (3,018ft) up on the mountain, above the col separating Scafell and Scafell Pike, is close to the infamous Broad Stand, a regular callout destination for the Wasdale team.

A Wasdale MRT spokesperson said: “A small team was sent to extricate them from the crag.

“As we were walking up reports came from passing walkers that someone had fallen in the Mickledore area.

“Given the potential seriousness of a fall in this position further team members were called and a helicopter from RAF Valley also joined the rescue.

“Once we had a team member on scene we were able to confirm there were no injuries and the process of roping the two walkers up to the top progressed, by now in heavy rain.”

The rescue ended with the two walkers being brought to safety about 2.30am on Sunday.