MOUNTAIN rescue volunteers have been praised for their swift actions after a woman fell 100ft from one of the Lake District's most notorious climbs.

The 21-year-old, along with her dog, fell from Blencathra's Sharp Edge at a point known as the bad step.

A passing doctor saw her fall but was unable to reach her and called on Keswick Mountain Rescue Team. Still at their base from an earlier incident, members quickly made their way from Mousethwaite Combe.

Keswick MRT said: "Because of the possible seriousness of her injuries, both the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and the Coastguard helicopter, which has winching capability, were mobilised. GNAAS uplifted some team members closer to the casualty site to save time and they were quickly with her and able to assess her injuries which fortunately did not appear too serious."

Rigged from above, they lowered a team member with a vacuum mattress to the casualty. The pair were then winched to safety by the Coastguard helicopter which was standing by on Bannerdale Crags. The woman's uninjured dog walked down with the team.

The team received message of support from scores of people on Facebook. Andrew Stainthorpe said: "Massive well done to all involved. Anyone who saves lives is a hero in my book, even more so when it’s volunteers. The casualty is one lucky lady. Great news about the dog too."

Iain Cram added: "Thank-you for your selfless commitment to others."

The near four-hour rescue, at 1pm on Sunday, involved 18 team members. It was their 98th incident of 2018 and the second that day. At midday they were called to an 80-year-old woman in the water at Derwentwater. Members reached her and managed to walk her out.

Keswick MRT is a charity which relies on donations to provide a life-saving, 24-hour service 365 days a year. Visit keswickmrt.org.uk/donate/ to support the team.