A WALKER who opted to stay a night on moors in freezing conditions was rescued after he suffered hypothermia, police said yesterday.

Thirty rescuers searched six square miles of the North York Moors yesterday after his companions raised the alarm.

The group of seven walkers set off from the Saltersgate Inn, between Pickering and Whitby, for a night walk.

Pete Thompson, of Scarborough Search and Rescue team, said one of the party decided he could not complete the walk.

He said the rest carried on and completed their trek.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said that when they could not contact their friend on his mobile phone yesterday morning, they called the emergency services.

The rescue team set off at 8.15am and he was found three hours later.

The walker was treated by the rescue team doctor and taken to hospital in Scarborough suffering from mild hypothermia.

Mr Thompson said: "He was very cold when we found him.

"It was very windy and had just started snowing when we got there. People going out should be prepared. It is very cold on the moors."