The RAF Sea King winches the injured walker on the route between Mosedale Cottage and Swindale Head. Photo: Paul Tomkinson

A walker was airlifted from a Cumbrian fell after breaking her ankle.

The woman was with a larger group walking on the Shap Fells when she suffered the injury.

Penrith Mountain Rescue Team was called out at 2.20pm on Wednesday and its 11 volunteers were bolstered by 10 from Kirkby Stephen MRT at the incident between Mosedale Cottage and Swindale Head.

A Penrith MRT spokesperson said: “The team provided casualty care and was preparing to evacuate the 75-year-old casualty, but fortunately an RAF Sea King helicopter was able to assist by winching the casualty to safety and transporting her to Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle.

Deputy team leader Pete King added: “The support of the RAF helicopter saved the team a reasonably long carry out and we were able to ensure that the rest of the walking group returned safely to their transport.”

The route between Swindale Head and Mosedale Cottage lies east of Gatesgarth Pass in the East of the Lake District.