Low Birk Fell, scene of the rescue

Two walkers were airlifted to hospital after one of them became ill after climbing a Lakeland fell.

The Australian visitors had taken the Ullswater steamer from Glenridding to Howtown before ascending Low Birk Fell and Scalehow.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was alerted by police after the couple had contacted them.

A spokesperson for the rescue team said: “They became disorientated and the 60-year-old male was feeling ill and was reported to be feeling nauseous also described as having a very pale pallor.

“There was some difficulty in getting back to the Australian mobile phone but eventually contact was made and a location was established.”

The Blackpool air ambulance flew to the site but was unable to land close to the couple and landed on a nearby hilltop.

The Patterdale team made its way on foot from Sandwick to the fell. Air ambulance staff then recovered the Australian couple to the helicopter and they were flown to hospital.

Sixteen members of the Patterdale MRT were involved in the incident.