The road rises to almost 1,500ft at the Kirkstone Pass. Photo: Rum Bucolic Ape CC-BY-ND-2.0

A Lake District team went to the aid of 33 people caught in wintry conditions on the Kirkstone Pass.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team said there were numerous traffic collisions on the road, which links Ambleside and Patterdale.

A coach with 23 passengers on board was among vehicles that got into difficulties on the pass, which rises to a height of 455m (1,493ft), during a heavy snow shower on Sunday.

Police closed the road to traffic as a result of the multiple crashed vehicles and severe weather.

The Patterdale team was called out about 10.55am. A team spokesperson said: “A woman in her 50s was assessed on scene for suspected fractured ribs and an arm injury before being evacuated with her husband back to the team’s rescue centre for transfer to an ambulance for transfer to [Cumberland Infirmary], Carlisle.

“Eight uninjured occupants of four other vehicles were also evacuated back to the rescue centre. Six were eventually returned to their vehicles once the weather improved; two others were taken to Penrith railway station as their car was undriveable.

“A coach with 23 passengers on board was stuck for a while until the team managed to clear the road, allowing it to return back down to Ambleside.”