A FATHER and son from Wirral were among those rescued from the peaks of Snowdonia over the Christmas period.

The pair, aged 49 and 24, are recovering today after they got trapped on Y Garn on Monday.

But they were saved from freezing to death thanks to an unknown passer-by.

The two had strayed on to steep ground below the east ridge of the mountain when the younger man lost his confidence and was unable to move any farther.

But, as they were stranded on the freezing ridge, a passer-by stopped and gave them assistance before calling for the rescue teams.

A search party was dispatched by the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Unit and the pair were later winched to safety by the RAF Search and Rescue Unit, 22 Squadron, based at Valley, in Anglesey.

A spokesman said: “People should remember the weather is very bad on these mountains and they should have the right clothing.”

This year has seen the number of rescues in Snowdonia double, and a major campaign has been launched by the emergency services to encourage people to think carefully before they climb one of the 3,000ft peaks.

Winds there can reach 150mph and temperatures can plummet to -20°C.