The Great North Air Ambulance and RAF Sea King at the scene in Great Langdale. Photo: GNAAS

A paraglider suffered life-threatening injuries when he crashed on a Lake District fell.

Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 11.05 on Friday after the pilot, from Preston in Lancashire, was seen crashing into the ground near Tarn Crag.

The Great North Air Ambulance and an RAF Sea King helicopter also flew to the site near Stickle Tarn above Great Langdale.

A Great North Air Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “The aircrew doctor and paramedic assessed and treated the casualty assisted by Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team who made the casualty location safe.

“An RAF Sea King helicopter lifted the casualty and the aircrew doctor and paramedic from the scene after which they transferred the casualty to the waiting air ambulance helicopter which flew the casualty to hospital.”

The injured paraglider was flown to the major trauma centre in Preston. His injuries were described by air ambulance staff as critical.

The three-hour operation by the Langdale Ambleside team involved 12 volunteer members. Kendal Mountain Rescue Team was also put on standby during the incident.