North of Tyne and Northumberland National Park MRT members stretcher the walker from Plessey Woods. Photo: NNPMRT

An elderly walker was stretchered from woodland after becoming exhausted.

The 92-year-old man was with his wife in Plessey Woods near Blyth in Northumberland yesterday when he got into difficulties.

Staff from the North East Ambulance Service called for help from mountain rescuers about 5.30pm and members of Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team and colleagues from the North of Tyne MRT were called out.

Iain Nixon, deputy team leader of the Northumberland NP team, said: “His location was between Plessey Woods and Stannington, on a very muddy path just above the River Blyth.

“Due to his location, NEAS required assistance. Team members were on scene within minutes and enough personnel for a carry-out were available by just after 6.10pm.

“The 92 year old was evacuated on a stretcher to the Land Rover located near to Briery Hill farm, east of Stannington.”

The rescue involved 14 personnel from both teams and ended about 8pm.