RESCUERS were called to assist two walkers stuck inside a narrow valley in the Lake District for over 24 hours.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team were called by Cumbria Police about two walkers who were reportedly stuck on the steep ground inside Piers Gill.

They were spotted by a walker on the path on the East side of the gill who heard them shouting for help.

While they appeared to be unhurt the walkers had suffered injuries from slips and falls.

The team leader contacted Duddon and Furness MRT for additional support and both teams met at Gavel Neese and made their way up to the likely access point.

Due to the riskiness of accessing Piers Gill, helicopter support was requested via a coastguard helicopter with winching capability.

Rescue 199 from Prestwick attended but was not able to effect the rescue via winch due to the weather conditions and the resulting significant downdraft creating a real risk to the walkers - they returned home to their base in Scotland.

A rope rescue was therefore needed and the teams rigged a rope system and then descended to the walkers.

"Once on scene, it was quickly realised that the condition of the casualties was more serious than had been thought," said a spokesperson for Wasdale MRT.

"The walkers had been stuck in this position for about 24 hours and had suffered injuries from slips and falls.

"Helicopter support was again requested for a swift evacuation from the scene once the walkers had been evacuated by rope from the gill.

"Rescue 199 returned and with some tremendous flying were able to land close to the teams for a short transfer.

"The first casualty was flown down to the valley, where other team members made a more thorough assessment. After extraction, R199 received the second casualty on a stretcher, flew down to the valley, picked up the first casualty, and then flew both to the hospital for further assessment and treatment.

"We wish both casualties a swift recovery. Thanks to Duddon and Furness MRT and the Rescue 199 crew for their support in this callout."

29 rescue team members were involved, and the rescue lasted 10 hours.