The runner fell on the scree above Gate Gill

A fellrunner suffered severe head and spinal injuries in a fall from a Lakeland fell.

The runner, from Essex, was with three others when he fell about 20m (66ft) from Blencathra today.

The men were traversing the scree above Gate Gill on the 868m (2,848ft) mountain when the runner lost his footing.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was alerted at 10.50am. A spokesperson said: “Team members were swiftly on the scene, and the casualty was diagnosed with severe head and spinal injuries.

“The team doctor and the doctor from the air ambulance treated him at the scene; he was splinted with a vacuum mattress. He was then stretchered down the gill with considerable difficulty.”

The injured man was then flown to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, for further treatment.

The three-hour rescue involved 21 members of the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team.