A RESCUE mission was launched after a man became trapped on a ledge overlooking a village in the Lake District.

Volunteers with Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team were called by police at just before 8.45pm last night to go to the aid of a 47-year-old man who had become stuck on a ledge over looking the village of Glenridding.

His exact location was somewhat vague until firefighters who were out practising at the time reported that they had spotted the distressed man above Greenside mines.

The mountain rescue team made their way to his location over difficult terrain, ensured the gentleman was safe and uninjured then, proceeded to rig a rope system to enable him to descend the fell.

A spokesman for the team said: "This was a challenging rescue and involved 11 members of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and lasted for 3.5 hours."