MOUNTAIN rescue volunteers were called to the Rede Valley when a group completing challenges as part of their Duke of Edinburgh gold award were reported as missing.

Members from the Northumberland National Park and North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Teams were called at just after 10pm on July 24 when the mountain bike expedition group failed to return when expected.

Two group members were found at Chattlehope, near the shores of Catcleugh Reservoir, with help from a local farmer.

Four mountain rescue team members, joined by the farmer and a search dog, then ventured up Girdle Fell in search of the remaining two group members.

They were found, along with the group’s tents, at just after 3.45am.

The discovery was made despite difficult ground conditions and mist making visibility poor.

The incident involved five team members for seven and a half hours.

A mountain rescue spokesman said: “The group was well equipped and had made the right decision to hold their position and send for help after the conditions experienced on their route were more challenging than expected.

“We wish to thank the farmer and his wife at Chattlehope for their hospitality and assisting with the rescue.”