The family was found on Whiteside Bank. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Rescuers reminded walkers that charging their mobile phones before they set off on a trip to the hills is a sensible precaution.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team issued the advice after it used the ‘find a phone’ system to locate a family who got lost on the Helvellyn range.

The team also emphasised a torch is a vital piece of kit for hillgoers.

The family of four, included a child with diabetes, called 999 when they got lost after summiting Helvellyn. Police alerted the rescue team about 4.40pm on Thursday.

The group missed their planned descent route down Swirral Edge and headed north to Whiteside Bank.

A team spokesperson said: “It became apparent that the family were getting very cold and wet and that one of the children was a type-one diabetic.”

Rescuers were quickly able to find the walkers after using the phone system. The spokesperson said: “They were given extra clothing by the Team and escorted off the fell.

“Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team would like to remind people that when going for a day’s walk in the fells it is sound advice to try to have a fully charged mobile phone with you at the start of the day and that with the clocks going back imminently a torch is a vital piece of kit.”

Eleven team volunteers were involved in the three-hour rescue.