The region's mountain rescue teams were called out on the Bank Holiday after two fell runners got into difficulty.
The two runners, who were visiting Northumberland for the first time, were attempting to run a stretch of the first National Trail in England between Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders and Byrness in North West Northumberland. However, snow and ice were on the ground and strong winds caused severe wind chill, causing the runners to seek refuge in a hut at Yearning Saddle where they called the Police.
Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team, North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team, and the Border Search and Rescue unit all responded to the call for help and fittingly for this time of year, were assisted by a shepherd at Blindburn, around 15 miles west of Rothbury, who offered his transport to mountain rescue team members. The runners' conditions were assessed by medics and their wet clothing was replaced with warm mid and outer layers.
