A TEENAGE girl had to be rescued when she became hypothermic after climbing Pendle Hill dressed in a t-shirt, skirt and flip flops.

Raza Ahmed, 32, Mikayla Venn, 19, and her sister Abigail, 16, of Stanley Street, Nelson, climbed the hill at around 8pm on Wednesday.

But Abigail collapsed after complaining of chest pains when they reached the summit at around 10.30pm.

Raza, who lives next door to the girls, said he called an ambulance, prompting a large rescue mission, which involved Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue and saw the Lancashire Police helicopter search for the group.

Speaking yesterday, he said Abigail was now recovering at home and thanked the emergency services for their help.

He said: “I want to congratulate the emergency services for doing such a great job.

“They tried to use the thermal imaging camera to find us. They couldn’t see us because of the cloud cover.

“The temperature dropped really quickly and it was really windy as well. We’re really grateful to be alive.”

Andy Simpson, of the mountain rescue team, said North West Ambulance Service were alerted to the ill girl at around 10.45pm and sent a three-strong crew.

They informed police and two officers, who had been on patrol nearby, were sent to climb to the top of the hill.

With the help of the helicopter the trio were found sat down at the top.

Abigail was found to be suffering from hypothermia as a result of the cold and was led down the miners’ track by the officers and paramedics to Pendle House Farm, where they met up with a team of 12 people from the mountain rescue at around 12.20am.

Mr Simpson said the team was ready with a stretcher to take Abigail, but it was not deemed necessary.

According to the team leader, she ran into problems because she was dressed ‘improperly’.

He said: “In darkness, unless the person is an experienced hill walker, I would not go up Pendle Hill at all.

"There is a risk of disorientation because when it’s dark and they get to the top they could have no idea where they are.

“Unless they are absolutely sure they can get back, I would not go anywhere near Pendle Hill at night.”

William Mayor, chairman of Goldshaw Booth Parish Council, said: “We have had isolated incidents of youngsters doing this sort of thing.

"They should behave sensibly.”