MOUNTAIN rescue volunteers have been praised for their actions that helped save one of their own during one of coldest days of the year so far.

A member of Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) had to be helped by colleagues after he sustained multiple injuries while climbing at a popular Lake District spot with a friend.

The men, both well prepared and experienced mountaineers, came into difficulty after one of them fell around eight metres at a spot above Blea Water in Penrith on Monday, December 11.

The other climber was able to immediately provide first aid and shelter for him, which mountain rescuers say was "undoubtedly was of great benefit".

A total of 40 mountain rescuers from Patterdale and Penrith MRTs were called to assist the climbers during the rescue which lasted eight hours and also required the support of two helicopters - an air ambulance and the Coastguard helicopter.

Mike Blakey, Patterdale team leader, said: "Firstly, on behalf of the entire team I want to wish our team member a very speedy recovery from his injuries.

"I’ve already seen the pictures of him up and about in hospital demonstrating his true spirit and I would also like to pass on our thoughts to his family who are keeping us posted by Facebook and text messages."

He added: "I would also like to formally thank Penrith MRT for leading and coordinating a difficult rescue.

"Our thanks also go to the air ambulance and Coastguard helicopter crew who tried their best to assist in what were very difficult flying conditions.

"We are grateful to the Coastguard for flying him to the major trauma centre at Newcastle once he had been evacuated from the crag."

Mr Blakey also asked pleaded with people to stop criticising the men for their actions.

He added: "I would also like to formally ask that people do not criticise these climbers as I have already seen on following the press release issued by our friends at Penrith MRT.

"These two very experienced mountaineers, who usually give up their time for free as rescue team volunteers, happened to be involved in an accident doing what they love.

"Rescue teams would not be able to put themselves out to help others if they didn’t enjoy the mountains or keep their personal skills high."

Penrith Mountain Rescue Team were first called at 3.20pm to assist the injured climber in the area above Haweswater.

The team were immediately deployed, along with colleagues from Kirkby Stephen MRT.

The area is very steep and craggy with complex ledges and gullies and is currently in full winter conditions.

Penrith MRT has released further details of the rescue, including the horrible weather conditions endured by volunteers and the helicopter crews.

Unfortunately, due to the conditions, the GNAAS helicopter was unable to get close enough to assist the climber and was forced to return to its base.

Whilst team members made their way on foot to the scene, the Coastguard helicopter made repeated attempts to get close to the casualty location.

They were unable to do so due to the very difficult flying conditions and returned to their base to refuel and be available for possible evacuation at a later point.

Once on scene, the team doctor dealt with the casualty, giving him pain relief and stabilising his injuries.

It allowed team members to rig a series of technical rope systems to lower the casualty to the Blea Water tarn through the crags.

Due to the likelihood of a very long carry out Patterdale MRT were also requested to provide assistance in the evacuation.

At 11.45pm pm - eight hours after the call - the Coastguard helicopter returned to the area and was able to affect a winch lift of the stretcher whilst the teams were descending the Blea Water path and the casualty was taken to the Major Trauma Centre at Newcastle, where he was assessed and treated for multiple non life threatening injuries.

Kaz Frith, leader of Penrith MRT, said: "Our teams executed a very technical rescue in extremely difficult conditions – it was unfortunate that the bad flying conditions for the helicopter crews meant that we were unable to get to, and evacuate, the casualty earlier, but we are always aware that unlike in a TV drama, we can’t solely rely on their help.

"Our thanks to everyone involved in the rescue and many best wishes to the casualty for a speedy recovery. We would also stress that the incident was not caused by inappropriately skilled or equipped people – these things sometimes happen and we are only glad to assist."