FOUR climbers were saved after becoming stuck as the night began to draw in.

Rescuers battled heavy drizzle, slippery surfaces and minimal visibility to abseil down to the party after they reported themselves stuck while climbing Dow Crag, near Coniston, on Friday.

Darkness was closing in and the slippery conditions meant that they were struggling to continue, or retreat.

Coniston Mountain Rescue Team was called and they launched a full team call out to find the stricken quartet.

A small crag team climbed Easy Terrace and abseiled down to the party, who were then roped up to the top of the climb. They were then lowered down Easy Terrace to the base of the crag.

Sixteen members were involved in seven hour rescue.