A man had to be carried by stretcher from England’s highest mountain after falling and injuring himself badly.

The walker was with two others when the accident occurred on Scafell Pike yesterday, Sunday. Blizzard conditions prevented a helicopter rescue, so 22 members of the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team carried the man to safety.

Richard Longman of the rescue team said: “The injured walker was in a party of three, all well equipped for the conditions, and slipped on packed snow and ice while descending from the summit.

“He slid and fell over 30m (100ft), suffering head, abdomen and wrist injuries. Helicopter evacuation was impossible because of blizzard conditions on the mountain so a long and difficult stretcher carry in deep snow over underlying ice was necessary.”

The rescue took 8½ hours. The injured man was said to be recovering in West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven.

Forecast snow on Sunday caught out many walkers on the Lakeland fells. Mr Longman said: “Fine, sunny weather this morning attracted hundreds of walkers and climbers out to enjoy the rare winter conditions.

“The snow arrived as forecast in mid-afternoon and the deteriorating conditions on the fells caused many walkers to experience difficulties, fortunately not all requiring assistance.”