AN SOS call from lost Lake District walkers was picked up by Isle of Man Police before their rescue.

The couple dialled 999 after they became lost on the back of what they reported as Bowfell on Tuesday (December 16), but their call was picked up by Isle of Man Constabulary.

Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team were alerted at 5pm by the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Kinloss, Moray, after they were contacted by police.

But the rescuers were unable to get back in contact with the walkers and sent out a search team including a Sea King helicopter before finding them at Cockley Beck.

The helicopter was able to turn back after the three-and-a-half hour rescue involving nine team members.

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