A man was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after a cooking mishap.

The 37-year-old was holidaying in a caravan near Long Marton, in the Eden Valley, when the accident occurred at about 5pm yesterday.

Dr Theo Weston, from the Beep Fund which provides emergency doctors, was among those called to assist the North West Ambulance Service.

Dr Weston said: "While cutting up meat, the kitchen knife the man was using slipped and caused a very deep and significant wound in his leg.

"As a result he lost a very large amount of blood. His condition was deemed critical and he was treated at the scene for his injuries.

"When the Pride of Cumbria Great North Air Ambulance arrived he was given a blood transfusion before being flown to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for more treatment."

A spokesman for the air ambulance described the man as having a "substantial wound to the groin".

He added: "The medical team used specialist haemostatic dressings along with military pressure dressings to stem the bleed.

"The patient was given blood on scene and in the helicopter whilst being flown to hospital for emergency surgery."

His condition was said to be critical last night.