The rescue scene on Gimmer Crag. Photo: LAMRT

A climber was airlifted to hospital from a Lake District crag when he suffered serious injuries in a rockfall.

Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 9.30pm on Monday to the incident on Gimmer Crag in Great Langdale.

The team said the rescue was long and difficult, lasting eight hours. Team members worked from sunset to dawn to aid the stricken climber.

The climber was descending with his climbing partner when he was hit by a large falling rock. The team asked for helicopter assistance and the Prestwick Coastguard helicopter flew to the scene.

A team spokesperson said: “He sustained serious multiple injuries. His location made it difficult to find, access and treat him.

The climber was difficult to reach. Photo: LAMRT

“He was stabilised by team members, then moved to a location from where he could be winched into a Coastguard helicopter and evacuated to hospital.”

The Langdale team requested help from Kendal MRT about 4am but the latter team was stood down while en route to the incident.

The team said the helicopter crew’s help was invaluable.