The rescue scene on Great End. Photo: Keswick MRT

Rescuers said a man miraculously escaped serious injury in a fall on the Scafell range in the Lake District.

Two mountain rescue teams and two helicopters responded to the incident on Great End on Saturday.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 2.15pm.

A team spokesperson said the 74-year-old took a considerable fall while climbing Central Gully in snowy and icy conditions.

“Because of the potential seriousness of the incident a Coastguard helicopter was requested and, meantime, [Great North Air Ambulance Service] Helimed 58 also self-tasked. Penrith MRT were asked to provide additional personnel.”

A nine-hour rescue operation ensued, with helicopters unable to reach the injured climber because the crag was in cloud.

The spokesperson said: “Some team members were lifted by Helimed 58 to Sty Head. Others made their way on foot to the base and top of the crag.

“A rope system was rigged on the summit plateau at the head of Central Gully and two team members were lowered down to the casualty who was then lowered to the base of the crag and a receiving party.

“The man had had a miraculous escape from serious injury, seemingly hitting mostly soft snow on his lengthy fall meaning he was able to walk off with help from team members, saving what would have been a very arduous stretcher carry.”

The incident involved 19 volunteers from Keswick MRT and 10 Penrith MRT team members.

The Keswick spokesperson thanked Penrith MRT colleagues, the crews from GNAAS Prestwick Coastguard helicopters. “While the casualty was on his way to hospital to get checked out, team members made their way back to base to sort kit and enjoy some well deserved pizzas.”