A MOUNTAIN rescue team leader has warned walkers to take note of the weather before venturing out onto the hills after two became crag fast on Helvellyn's Striding Edge on Sunday afternoon.

The pair, in their 20s, were caught out on a small ledge in the area known as the bad step when the weather changed from 'beautiful sunshine' to a 'cloudy and very wet afternoon.'

Members of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team descended to their position and then lowered the couple, by rope, to safe ground.

"The change in weather had been forecast and the rain and cloud arrived right on cue," said team leader Mike Blakey. "This rescue serves as a reminder to everyone venturing into the hills this summer. It's always important to check the forecast and plan a route accordingly."

Earlier in the afternoon members of the team had been called to Place Fell to rescue a woman from the Stockport area who had injured her knee and was unable to walk.