Rescuers at the scene on Blease Fell. Photo: Keswick MRT

An injured walker was airlifted from a Lake District fell after she slipped in wintry conditions.

The 35-year-old was on Blease Fell on Blencathra with a companion on Sunday when she suffered a serious ankle injury when she slipped on wet grass.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was alerted shortly after 2pm and its members were mobile within 15 minutes, aiming to reach the walker from the Blencathra Centre.

A team spokesperson said: “At the same time, control made enquiries as to the availability of air support, given the serious nature of the injury and the danger of hypothermia in the winter conditions.

“The patient was given analgesia and packaged into a casualty bag and shortly after, ambulance control confirmed the tasking of the Great North Air Ambulance.

“The pilot was able to make a tricky landing not far from the patient, and the medical crew assessed the injuries. A swift evacuation was planned given the deteriorating weather and worsening light, so the casualty was splinted, stretchered to the aircraft, and then flown to the Cumberland Infirmary.”

The team thanked the air ambulance crew for their swift response.

The rescue lasted almost two hours and involved 17 volunteers from Keswick MRT.