MEMBERS of the Border Search and Rescue Unit have helped save 10 walkers from the Cheviot Hills.

The team had to battle through waist-deep snow at times last night (Sunday), when the group got into trouble up Windy Gyle and began suffering from hypothermia.

Northumberland Mountain Rescue team were initially tasked with the job, but soon called in reinforcements north of the border.

A Borders Search and Rescue Unit spokesman said: "The party was fit and reasonably well equipped, but not adequately prepared for the conditions they encountered on the ridge.

"One of the party managed to lose both shoes when they were sucked off in a deep bog, and continued for some distance barefoot in the deep snow. This casualty was the most serious, and a further two needed treatment for hypothermia.

"A helicopter was called for, but the low cloud ion the ridge prevented it from reaching the casualty-site and after a number of attempts it returned to base."

The 10 were treated, stabilised and ferried to safety on the southern side of the border, where the most serious three were taken to hospital by ambulance.

Fifty mountain rescue volunteers from four teams were involved in the rescue.

The spokesperson added: "It is perfectly possible to keep warm and safe in challenging conditions if you are fit, properly equipped and have the navigational skills and hill-craft necessary to tackle full winter mountaineering.

"As this incident shows, it only takes a silly accident to change things dramatically.

"The party had left a route-card detailing their intended route, which is essential, and had done almost everything right. They were forced to deviate from their intended route in order to find shelter in some woodland when things went wrong, which necessitated a bit of a search before they were located."