The walker slipped near Blea Tarn. Photo: Martyn B CC-BY-SA-2.0

A walker was airlifted from a Lakeland fell after slipping and injuring his ankle.

The 84-year-old was with a group of friends in the Blea Tarn area when he slipped on a grass section of a track.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 1.10pm yesterday, Thursday.

A team spokesperson said: “Information was difficult to come by because of the poor phone signal in the area.

“The team made the decision to go in from Watendlath, whilst the second vehicle went round to the Thirlmere side to access via the forest tracks.

“The North West Air Ambulance was able to attend, though initially delayed by hail showers, and was able to land about 200m from the casualty site.”

Keswick MRT members stretchered the walker to the helicopter, which flew him to Furness General Hospital in Barrow in Furness for further treatment.

The rescue lasted more than three hours and involved 22 volunteer team members.