Skiers at the Lecht. Photo: Scott Rimmer CC-BY-SA-2.0

Five children are among half a dozen people injured in an incident on a Highland ski centre chairlift.

Two mountain rescue teams were involved in rescuing more than 30 people at the Lecht centre near Cargarff in the eastern Cairngorms.

Grampian Police and Braemar Mountain Rescue Teams went to the site this afternoon after a chairlift derailed, injuring six people and standing more than 30 others on the mountainside, 700m (2,297ft) up on the slopes of Carn Mhic an Toisich.

A Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from HMS Gannet in Ayrshire also joined the rescue operation.

The incident happened about 3.25pm. Many of those involved were children enjoying their half-term holiday.

A police spokesperson said: “Grampian Police can confirm everyone stranded on a chairlift suspected to have derailed at the Lecht Ski Centre has been rescued.

“Those injured in the incident are being assessed by medical staff and will be taken to hospitals in the area by ambulance or helicopter where necessary.

“Everyone else will be checked over by medical personnel at the ski centre.

“Six people – five children and one adult – have been taken to hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries, and 30 others were rescued.”

Grampian Fire and Rescue Service, local doctors and staff from the Scottish Ambulance Service were also called to the ski centre, 10km (6 miles) south-east of Tomintoul.

Grampian Police said enquiries are being made to establish the cause of the incident.

Three of the casualties were airlifted to hospital and the others ferried by ambulance.

The Lecht was set up on the slopes to the West of the A939 in 1977.