A RESCUE dog’s ultra keen sense of smell saved three men lost on moors above Huddersfield.

Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team was alerted after the trio from Oxford made a 999 call after getting lost on the Pennine Way at the top of Wessenden above Meltham at 8.30pm on Saturday.

The team’s search dog, Dodge, and handler Wayne Thackray, from Crosland Moor, were searching the moor when Dodge suddenly picked up a scent.

He set off down an area known as Rimmon Pit Clough and they eventually glimpsed a light in the distance.

The single lights became three lights as they got closer and the rescuers – including Pete Stott, from Crosland Moor – realised they had found the lost walkers.

Team leader Mike France said: “The weather had been terrible with torrential rain.

“The three lads were mobile and able to communicate on our arrival. They were wet, cold and shivering.’’

The team put them is a special rescue tent to warm them up and gave them hot drinks, glucose and food before walking them off the moor.

They were checked over by paramedics before they were allowed to go home by 11pm.

Mr France added it was vital when people make a 999 call that they make it absolutely clear to the operator whereabouts they are in the country.

He said: “Interestingly this call was picked up by Thames Valley Police and was then routed back to us.

“It is very important when making a 999 call from a mobile to tell the operator in which area you are in as 999 calls can be routed anywhere in the country.

“One of the main call centres for emergency calls is in Scotland.’’

In a separate incident yesterday afternoon a youngster suffered a broken leg in a freak accident.

The 15-year-old from Stockport was with a group doing their Duke Of Edinburgh Award on the moors near Black Hill off the Isle of Skye road between Holmfirth and Saddleworth high above Meltham.

At lunchtime he jumped over a puddle, but landed awkwardly and broke his lower leg.

A team from Oldham Mountain Rescue Team – backed up by Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team – went to help him.

He was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital for treatment.