Four climbers who had smoked cannabis had to be rescued from England's highest mountain "after becoming incapable of walking," police said.

The stranded group called 999 to report they were unable to walk down from Scafell Pike, which rises to a peak of 3,209ft (978m) in the heart of the Lake District.

Cumbria Police said officers worked with the Wasdale mountain rescue team to find the group and bring them down more than three hours after they called for help around 6.30pm on Saturday.

Cumbria Police posted messages on social media about the rescue, which said: "Persons phoning Cumbria Police because they are stuck on a mountain, after taking cannabis. Now having to deploy Mountain Rescue, Air support and Ambulance to rescue them. Words fail us ....."

They later said: "Persons rescued by MRT, after becoming incapable of walking off mountain due to cannabis use. MRT volunteers putting themselves at risk to prevent harm."

The posts attracted more than 1,000 comments on Facebook, with many users suggesting they should foot the bill for the rescue.

Superintendent Justin Bibby said: "Never underestimate the mountains. Mountain safety is your responsibility."