The injured walker is winched up into the RAF Sea King. Photo: OVMRO

A walker was airlifted to hospital after falling while coming down a Snowdonia mountain.

The 73-year-old slipped on wet grass while descending Y Gribin ridge on the Glyderau.

The walker injured an ankle and was unable to carry on and rang 999.

Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation was called out about 1.15pm yesterday. Chris Lloyd of the team said the man, from Flintshire, was experienced and well equipped.

Mr Lloyd said: “Two team members were deployed.” A Sea King search and rescue helicopter from RAF Valley flew to the site above Llyn Idwal.

“With the risk of a 73-year-old man being immobilised in the ‘cool’ conditions it was thought best to request 22 Squadron to speed the casualty’s evacuation.

“They kindly obliged, saving the eight Ogwen members a stretcher carry,” Mr Lloyd said.

After the man was winched into the aircraft, rescue team members accompanied the man’s friend off the mountain.

The rescue involved 13 volunteer team members.