Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team was called out yesterday afternoon to assist the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) with the treatment and evacuation of a woman who had sustained serious head injuries during a fall near the summit of Scarth Gap, Buttermere.

The Great North Air Ambulance had already landed nearby and their paramedic and HEMS doctor were on scene.

Team members assisted with treatment and transferred the 70-year-old woman to a stretcher ready for evacuation.

Given the location and severity of the casualty's injuries, the team leader requested a coastguard

helicopter with winching capability. It was on scene within 45 minutes.

The casualty was then loaded into the helicopter and transferred to Carlisle Infirmary for further treatment.

Twenty four team members attended the callout which was the 40th this year and lasted three and a half hours.

Team leader Andrew McNeil thanked both the helicopter crews for their assistance.