Walkers rescued from the Cheviots

Northumbria Police, Police Scotland and Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team were involved in the rescue operation.

The alarm was raised around 3pm. Following extensive searches, the group was located after they took shelter in a forest east of Windy Gyle at around 7pm.

Some of the walkers were taken to hospital by helicopter as a precaution.

No-one is believed to be seriously injured but one was thought to be suffering from hypothermia.

Chief Inspector Mick Hall said: “This has been a large scale search and rescue operation that has seen police and Mountain Search and Rescue work tirelessly in adverse weather conditions over several hours to locate and rescue the ten walkers.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved, in particular the team of volunteers from Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team who have given up their own time to assist us and offer their expertise in making sure the walkers were found and rescued safely.

“Thanks to a local farmer who assisted with the use of a tracked vehicle to help in the search and evacuation.”

“Unfortunately, this is a stark reminder of the importance of making sure you plan and are prepared for adverse weather conditions when walking in the hills.

“Our advice to walkers is to always carry out research before embarking on a trip, there is plenty of advice on-line on how to stay safe and it is always worth taking note of this.”

Chief Inspector Aidan Sloan of Northumbria Police said: “Officers assisted in the search for this group with our partners and we were pleased that the incident ended positively with everyone safely accounted for.”