Rescuers stretcher the man to the waiting RAF helicopter. Photo: Wasdale MRT

A husband and wife were airlifted from England’s highest mountain after they were injured when strong winds blew them off their feet.

The couple called for help today at 11.50am after suffering injuries coming down the hillside after turning back while trying to get to the summit of Scafell Pike.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team and colleagues from the Duddon and Furness MRT went to the aid of the man and woman and a helicopter from RAF Boulmer in Northumberland flew to the area.

A spokesperson for the Wasdale team said: “The lady suffered a serious head laceration but remained conscious throughout and was able to walk to an RAF Sea King helicopter that had been called to assist in the rescue.

“The male walker suffered extensive bruising to his back and hips and was stretchered into the helicopter.”

Rescuers treat one of the walkers on the slopes of Scafell Pike. Photo: Wasdale MRT

Twelve Wasdale volunteers and nine from Duddon and Furness took part in the rescue on the 978m (3,209ft) mountain.

The spokesperson said: “The helicopter crew had to cope with strong gusting winds that made flying very difficult.”

Both walkers were flown to West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven for further treatment.

The callout was the Wasdale team’s 16th of the year.