The team stretchers the injured mountain biker from the forest. Photo: Keswick MRT

Lake District rescuers were called out three times on Saturday to aid injured walkers and a mountain biker.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was alerted to the first incident of the day at 12.45pm.

A group of mountain bikers was descending the north red route in Whinlatter Forest when one of the riders slid on a bend at speed.

A Keswick MRT spokesperson said: “The man put his foot down to help stop the slide and felt his lower leg break causing him to crash.

“The man’s friends helped make him as comfortable as possible before one of them climbed back up the track to get reception to call 999 and ask for mountain rescue.

“The casualty was in considerable pain so strong analgesia was administered before splinting the leg and stretchering him down to a team vehicle which was able to drive him to the ambulance for transfer to Carlisle infirmary.”

The two-hour rescue involved 13 team members.

Rescuers create interest for a four-legged observer during the incident on Low Rigg. Photo: Keswick MRT

The second callout came about 2.50pm after a woman injured herself on Low Rigg.

The 78-year-old was walking from the Castlerigg stone circle over the Riggs. She was climbing down from a wall stile when the stone she was holding for support came away and she fell backwards onto the ground injuring her leg.

The spokesperson said: “An ambulance was called but because of the location mountain rescue was also asked to attend.

“On arrival the team administered pain relief and splinted the lady’s leg before stretchering her to the ambulance parked near St Johns in the Vale church for onwards transfer to Carlisle infirmary.”

Fifteen team volunteers were involved in the 90-minute rescue.

Team members tend to the injured walker on Robinson. Photo: Keswick MRT

The Keswick team was in action again in the evening after a walker suffered an ankle injury on Robinson.

A group was descending the ridge heading for Blea Crags when one of them slipped and went over on his ankle.

The spokesperson said: “He was unable to weight bear and walk any further so a 999 call was made for assistance.

“On arrival pain relief was provided by the team and the ankle assessed and strapped. Sledging the stretcher down a steep grassy slope brought the casualty to the team vehicles.

“After transferring the group to their car they made their own way to Carlisle hospital for a further check-up.”

The rescue lasted almost three hours and involved 16 Keswick MRT volunteers.