A mum and two teenagers saved an elderly man who collapsed on a hike near Thames last night

The 80-year-old had become lost on his walk, and after running out of water collapsed on the trail.

He was only wearing shorts and a singlet and apart from his mobile phone he wasn't carrying any other emergency supplies.

When two Police helicopters failed to land near the mans location late yesterday evening, they contacted a mum and her kids staying nearby at Crosbies Hut.

The family administered first-aid and waited with the man till help arrived.