A LAKES mountain rescue team has issued a warning after helping a group who were ill-prepared to take on England's highest mountain in winter conditions.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team took to social media in the hope that others will learn from the mistakes of a group of six people who got stuck on the summit of Scafell Pike on Sunday. The volunteer rescue team was alerted to the emergency 5.05pm by Cumbria police.

Hundreds of people have shared the rescue group's Facebook post explaining how a inexperienced group got into difficulty at the top of the mountain in the dark and winter conditions. They didn't have torches or proper footwear or clothing for such an activity. Some of the footwear included trainers. The emergency service has called this a "totally avoidable call-out."

The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team post said: "The group were located at the top of Scafell Pike. We do not want lots of negative comments below, but what we would like is for anyone else reading this to learn from their mistakes.

"The group were very inexperienced, had no torches, inadequate footwear and not enough warm clothes for a hike up England's highest mountain in winter conditions.

"This is an example of a totally avoidable call-out."

People took to the Facebook post to leave comments in support of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and its warning.

Wayne Dunwell posted: "Well done, a lot of people are naive when it comes to the outdoors, hopefully they've learned their lesson and give a nice donation to show their appreciation to you all."

Alan Forrest posted: "Common sense seems to be a rare commodity these days. Well done WMRT, these walkers should be extremely thankful for your skills and dedication."

Joy Evans posted: "People will only ever learn the hard way, lets hope they appreciate your time and now raise you some valuable money to keep you going... or then were would they have been ?"

Lisa O'Connor posted: "You guys do an amazing job, thank you."

Some suggested that the ill prepared and ill equipped should get fined if they cause an emergency call out as teams risk their safety.

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