Mountain rescue volunteers launched a search and rescue operation after two walkers got lost in a nature reserve.
The two women became "lost and distressed" while on an evening walk in Castle Eden Dene near Peterlee in County Durham on Friday.
Officers from Durham Constabulary requested assistance late on Friday night from Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team to locate the walkers.
Read more: Two suspected fugitives arrested after allegedly abandoning stolen car and trying to flee in taxi
A spokesman for the force said: "Durham Police would like to thank Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team (TWSMRT) for their expert help on Friday evening in locating two female walkers who had become lost and distressed in a local nature reserve in Peterlee.
"Once on scene they found the females in a densely wooded area, and brought them to safety in difficult terrain. Both were unhurt other than being cold and upset."
The team said they were called out at 11.30pm on Friday evening.
A spokesman said: "We were called by Durham Police to assist in locating and rescuing two women who had become stuck at the bottom of Castle Eden Dene after an evening walk in the area.
"Two team members made their way to the women via a nearby deer track and assisted them to safety."
Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team operates from the North Pennines to the North Sea and from the River Tees to the River Tyne.
The rescue team, which consists of around 50 volunteers, is on call 24 hours a day seven days a week and responds to between 40 and 50 requests for help each year. So far this year, they have responded to 36 callouts.
Like most mountain rescue teams, Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team is reliant wholly on donations from the public.
For the latest local news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
