The pair got stuck on Swirral Edge. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Rescuers pledged to try harder to educate hillgoers about earlier nights after a pair of walkers had to be rescued from England’s third highest mountain.

The men got caught out be darkness and stuck on Swirral Edge on Helvellyn the day clocks had been put back.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called out at 6pm on Tuesday to aid the two men on the edge below the mountain’s summit.

A team spokesperson said: “They were uninjured but had become stuck on the ridge when it unsurprisingly went dark an hour earlier than yesterday.”

The team leader said: “The Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association made a concerted effort on the run-up to this weekend to remind people that the clocks would go back on Sunday morning and that those venturing onto the fells should be properly equipped.

“We’ll make sure we try even harder next year.

“We would, once again, like to remind people how important it is to take the basics with you including warm and waterproof clothing, a hat, gloves and a torch.

“It’s also critical to take a map and compass and to know how to use these to safely navigate down off the mountain, even in the dark. You never know what you might encounter along the way and what events might slow you down and lead to a walk ending in the cold and dark.”

Seven team members were involved in the three-hour rescue.

The Patterdale team had spent the morning training at the Caravan Club site at Troutbeck. Staff at the caravan site had raised nearly £3,000 for the team through a range of fundraising events and activities throughout the season.

Later in the afternoon the team also received a cheque for £2,000 from a woman whom it had rescued and who had raised funds at her wedding earlier in the summer. “It was a delight to welcome the woman and her husband to Patterdale base,” the spokesperson said.

“The team was delighted and surprised to be presented with such a large cheque. Their efforts were greatly appreciated by all.”