Keswick and Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Teams carry the fellrunner down from Doddick Fell. Photo: Keswick MRT

A fellrunner has been praised by rescuers for the way she helped her companion who was left stranded on a Lakeland fell with severe cramp.

The 62-year-old man was running on the upper slopes of Doddick Fell on Blencathra early this morning when he succumbed to cramp in his legs and was unable to walk.

His running partner alerted emergency services at 6.55am and Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out.

A Keswick MRT spokesperson said: “His running partner called out the team, left him in a bivvy bag, and then ran down to her car to get spare gear, and back up to the casualty site – a great effort in poor weather.”

A small group from the rescue team made its way to the scene with spare clothing, food, shelter and a stretcher.

The spokesperson said: “As it was clear from the outset that a stretcher carry would be necessary, assistance was sought from Cockermouth team who provided 10 members.

“The two teams met up about half way down to the road, and Cockermouth were able to help out with the stretcher carry down to Doddick Farm.

“The casualty did not require further treatment, and his running partner met the team at the farm with transport.”

The rescue lasted three hours.