Heat-exhausted father and son rescued from camping trip

A warning of the dangers of heat exhaustion has been issued after a father and son had to be rescued from the Cheviot hills.

Borders Search and Rescue Unit (BSARU) was called out on Sunday to help the pair after they became unwell.

They provided shelter and started rehydration to help with their recovery before taking them off the hillside.

BSARU said it was easy to underestimate the effects of heat on Britain's mountains but it could be "just as dangerous as the bitter cold, and even faster to strike".

The 54-year-old man and his 17-year-old son had set off from Morebattle in the Borders on Saturday and enjoyed a "great day and a fine night’s camping out on the hill".

However, as the temperature rose on Sunday their water ran low and energy started to dip.

By mid-afternoon, going over the 605m (2,000ft) summit of The Schil, the father became unwell and began vomiting and "dipping in and out of consciousness".

At that point his son called 999 and BSARU was called out at about 14:00.

However, by the time the team arrived the son had also started to suffer the effects of the sun and his condition was deteriorating.

The rescue team - joined by neighbouring Northumberland Mountain Rescue - put up a shelter to provide shade and started rehydration.

Once the father and son began to stabilise and improve they were taken down from the hillside.

Team leader Duncan Buchanan said: "We're all mountain enthusiasts in the team and we encourage the public to enjoy the hills and find adventure in our wonderful local environment.

"In the summer, be sure to take a sun hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, enough food to keep you fuelled for the duration of your expedition, and a little more besides.

"Importantly, have a realistic idea of the fitness and capabilities of every member of the party."

In addition, he urged people to be aware of the danger of ticks, another "underestimated hazard in the summer".