VOLUNTEERS with the Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation were involved in the search for a group of six teenagers on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition.

The group of 16-year-olds were reported missing at around 8pm on Thursday on the summit ridge of Whernside.

As the group had tents, sleeping bags and food for two days, the incident was not treated as a serious emergency.

But two CRO members and a police officer drove around the area looking for lights. Later they supported staff from the school the group was from and they were found encamped at Boot on the Wold at 7.30am on Friday.

A CRO spokesman said: "Low cloud, darkness and a shortage of drinking water had prompted them to retreat from the hill, reversing their ascent route.

"The low cloud seemed also to have interfered with their tracking system, but this began working again later, possibly as the cloud blew away.

"After stocking up on drinking water the group resolved to carry on with the expedition."