Two hikers who got stranded as darkness fell were rescued after Oldham Mountain Rescue Team (OMRT) used their skills to work with police before finding the walkers and bringing them to safety.
Greater Manchester Police received a "distress call" on Tuesday afternoon from walkers who had strayed off the main path near the waterfall in Birchen Clough in Saddleworth.
With darkness falling, the hikers found themselves lost and unable to get to safely.
Given the difficulties in reaching them quickly in rugged, remote terrain, police requested the assistance of OMRT for their expertise.
OMRT quickly got a team together, equipped with specialist navigation tools and rescue gear, and joined officers.
One of the walkers, who went to look for help, was found but the team located the other hiker, who was given a medical assessment and found not to have been hurt.
Technology such as tracing locations using phone signals as well as knowledge of the area was carried out in the search.
Sergeant Connor Brook from Saddleworth police said: "Our neighbourhood policing team would like to extend our sincere thanks to OMRT for their invaluable assistance, expertise, and swift response.
"This rescue highlights the importance of community partnerships and the vital role that organisations like OMRT play in keeping everyone safe as they enjoy our beautiful, but sometimes challenging, landscapes.
"We’d also like to remind everyone planning to walk or explore the hills to take appropriate precautions, check the weather forecast, and always let someone know your intended route.
"Together, we can make sure everyone returns home safely.
"Thank you once again to OMRT and our dedicated team for a job well done."
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team leader, Dave Wyatt, said: ”On Tuesday evening the team were called by Greater Manchester Police about two walkers who were unable to find their way off the hillside due to the fading light.
“A passerby was able to assist by providing a phone location which placed the walkers near the waterfall in Birchen Clough.
Team members were mobilised to the roadhead at the end of Greenfield Reservoir.
“On the way they picked up one of the walkers who had managed to make their way down to get help.
"At the roadhead, the team met up with GMP officers and a rescue party was sent up the clough to locate the remaining missing walker.
“The gentleman wasn’t injured and was able to be walked back down the clough with the assistance of team members.
"He was then checked over and warmed up in the team’s vehicle before being taken back to his car.”
Thirteen team members were involved in the incident for just under two hours.
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