Rescuers stretcher the man to the air ambulance, which landed on the ridge. Photo: Keswick MRT

A walker was airlifted from a Lake District fell after suffering chest pains.

The 65-year-old reached the summit of Cat Bells when he began to feel unwell.

He was helped by a passing nurse and two doctors and Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 12.50pm on Tuesday.

A team spokesperson said: “The team was called and approached from Littletown in Newlands Valley to give the quickest route up to the top.

“The Great North Air Ambulance was also called to attend in case an urgent evacuation was required.

“By chance an English nurse and two visiting doctors from Holland were also walking on Cat Bells and were able to comfort the patient and look after him as best as they could without any medical equipment.

“On arrival the team gave support to the helpers already there with appropriate treatment. The air ambulance arrived shortly after and after a failed attempt to land on the summit due to the uneven nature of the top managed to put down on a flat part of the ridge just south of the summit.”

The crew assessed the man and treated him before he was stretchered by the mountain rescue team to the helicopter, which flew him to Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

The spokesperson said: “Many thanks again to the nurse and the two Dutch doctors who gave invaluable help and comfort to the patient and his wife.

“Also thanks to the Great North Air Ambulance who were able to rapidly attend and transport the casualty to hospital.”

The rescue lasted 2¾ hours and involved 15 volunteers from Keswick MRT.