German shepherd Bear was found on Striding Edge. Photo: Patterdale MRT

The discovery of a mystery dog on England’s third highest mountain sparked a search for the animal’s owner.

The German shepherd was spotted on Striding Edge near the ‘bad step’ just before the final ascent up to the summit plateau of Helvellyn.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was alerted by police last Friday about 5.10pm and team members made their way up on to the ridge, concerned for the whereabouts of the dog’s owner.

A team spokesperson said: “Members of the team headed up to Striding Edge and recovered the alsatian but there was no sign of its owner.

“The dog was brought back to the rescue centre in readiness for collection by the dog warden and, in an attempt to locate the owners the chip was scanned for vital information.

“Unfortunately this proved fruitless. The information on the chip was not up-to-date and resulted in an unnecessary waste of time and resources by the emergency services in trying to locate the present owner.”

Nine volunteers from the team were involved in the five-hour operation on the mountain.

Subsequent social media posts revealed the dog, named Bear, had acquired new owners three months previously. The animal’s family had been walking on the mountain when the dog ran off and had spent a considerable time searching for the errant animal.

Bear was eventually re-united with his new family the following day.