Hobdale Beck, scene of the incident. Photo: David Brown CC-BY-SA-2.0

A paddler is in a serious condition in hospital after she was rescued from a Cumbrian river.

The woman from North Yorkshire, who was with a group of canoeists, got into difficulties in Hobdale Beck near Cautley on the eastern edge of the Howgill Fells on New Year’s Day.

Emergency services were alerted shortly after 2pm yesterday and the fire service, paramedics, police and an air ambulance went to the woman’s aid.

The canoeist was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Constabulary said: “All services including air ambulance worked together to rescue the female. She is in a serious condition.

“All other canoeists are are accounted for safe and well. Close family have been informed.”