It was a busy start to the year for Cumbria's mountain rescue teams.

The volunteers were called out four times yesterday.

Seventeen Keswick MRT members were alerted by police at about 1pm, following reports that a group of walkers had come across a man with a possible broken leg. He had fallen above Rigg Head, near Wilsons Bield.

Two LandRovers set off to rescue him but, before the second arrived, they got notice that the North West Air Ambulance was en route. The second vehicle stood down, waiting in the Lake District in case of further call-outs.

The casualty was flown to the Furness General Hospital for treatment.

Elsewhere Patterdale MRT was called at about 1.20pm to reports of a woman who had suffered a suspected fractured ankle while walking in Grizedale. She was treated on scene and stretchered to a waiting Landrover.

Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team was called out after a man slipped while walking on Wansfell, potentially fracturing and dislocating his hip. He was given initial treatment and then stretchered to the Great North Air Ambulance and flown to hospital.

The fourth rescue of the day involved Coniston MRT and Duddon and Furness MRT, who responded to a man who had fallen

near the summit of the Old Man of Coniston and hurt his leg.

The volunteer rescuers endured a long journey down the fell, carrying the casualty on a stretcher, until they could reach the rescue vehicles.