RESCUERS were dispatched last night after two teens got lost in the dark after being chased by sheep.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called at 10.30pm yesterday (August 1) when they received a report of the walkers who became overtaken by darkness around 200m from where they set off.

The pair, from Bracknell, had planned to go on a short walk from a youth hostel at Greenside Mines.

A spokesperson for the team said the young men became scared when they were 'chased' by what was believed to be some wild animals.

The team quickly located the teenagers who were unhurt and assisted them back to the track and then to their youth hostel Mike Blakey, Team Leader, said: "It was a bit of bit of a barmy night so the two men weren't in any danger of suffering from hypothermia - although they were clearly shaken and very grateful for the Team's assistance.

"While driving up the track from Glenridding to the youth hostel at about 11pm we spotted a light from a mobile phone about thirty metres below us. It didn't take long for two team members to descend down and help the men back to the Landrover.

"We were obviously quite concerned when the fellas said they had been chased by wild animals, especially given all the recent reports of wild cats in Cumbria.

"Once we arrived it quickly became apparent that men had been chased by a couple of Herdwicks.

"Clearly this isn't a common occurrence in the Lakes, and in fact, I don't think I've ever heard of this happening before. But there's a first for everything."

Mr Blakey added: "It's wise, even if only walking a few hundred meters, to take a torch in the dark."

The rescue involved three team members and laster around one hour.