A GROUP of cavers were rescued in a ten hour operation after becoming trapped underground by rising water in the Yorkshire Dales.

The Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) was called out shortly before 4am yesterday (Monday) after two men, aged 20 and 18, and a 19-year-old woman, were reported overdue after venturing into King Pot, Ingleborough.

The Clapham-based rescue team made its way to the pothole near Braida Garth, on the western edge of the national park.

A team spokesperson said: “While CRO was en-route, a further member of their club descended the cave with survival equipment in an attempt to locate them.

“The first CRO team eventually located all four sheltering at the foot of Elizabeth Pitch, three hours into the cave, having become trapped by rising water following heavy rain.

“Additional team members were deployed underground and all four were assisted to the surface, with all clear of the cave and off the hill by 2.10pm.”