BURY volunteer rescuers faced gales and driving rain during a dramatic land and air rescue over Pendle Hill on Sunday evening.

Three casualties, one suffering from severe hypothermia, were eventually airlifted to safety and taken to Burnley General Hospital for treatment.

Around 15 members of the Rossendale Search and Rescue Team were called into action at 9pm following reports that three walkers were stranded on the top of Pendle Hill after a day's walk from Ogden Clough to to Barley Village.

The stricken ramblers, two men and a woman, were eventually located close to Ogden Clough Reservoir.

Andy Simpson of Rossendale Search and Rescue Team said: "One of the men was suffering from hypothermia while his companions were very tired, cold and wet.

"It was decided to airlift the trio off the hill. However, we had to stretcher-carry the primary casualty to a land point one mile away."

An RAF Sea King transported the walkers to a race-track where they were transferred by ambulance to hospital.

Rossendale team members returned to base at 5am yesterday after making their own way off the hill on foot.

Mr Simpson added: "This incident highlights how quickly the weather can change and the difficulties that arise at this time of year.

"Fortunately, we were able to find the walkers quickly and provide medical help."