The man fell in a gully on Tryfan's West Face. Photo: Neil Cowburn

A man who was knocked unconscious when he fell 65ft from a scrambling route in Snowdonia was saved from serious injury by his helmet.

The man called for help after slipping and falling on a route on Tryfan.

Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team was called out shortly after 2pm on Monday to help the man, from Ireland, who had fallen in a gully behind Milestone Buttress on the mountain’s West Face.

Team spokesman Chris Lloyd said: “He was scrambling when he slipped on greasy rock causing him to take a tumbling fall. After regaining consciousness, he made the 999 call.”

Mr Lloyd said the team requested help from the RAF’s Sea King search and rescue helicopter based at Valley on Anglesey.

But he said the aircraft was involved in a rescue on Snowdon at the time.

Mr Lloyd said: “In preparation for a stretcher lower and carry, the team leader asked for support from RAF Valley Mountain Rescue Team.

“With their 10 troops to back up the Ogwen troops on scene, the casualty was treated for his facial cuts and hole in his leg.

“Taking great care, in case of spinal injury, he was loaded into a stretcher.

“Meanwhile 22 Squadron had deposited their Snowdon casualty at hospital but had to go home for fuel.

“They then flew in to winch the Irish man and deliver him to Bangor hospital where his injuries are not thought to be serious.

“This man was well equipped and was protected from more serious injury by his helmet.”