The RAF Sea King in action at Black Crag. Photo: Keswick MRT

Two climbers were airlifted to hospital after suffering injuries in separate falls in the Lake District.

A 49-year-old woman fell 60ft from Black Crag in Borrowdale yesterday, badly breaking her leg.

The climber was on Troutdale Pinnacle when she fell 18m.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 10.45am on Friday and 19 volunteer members were involved in the 2½ hour operation to rescue the woman.

A Keswick MRT spokesperson said: “The team responded immediately with two vehicles, and requested both air ambulance and RAF Sea King support.

“Until the team arrived on scene, it was not clear whether the casualty was on the crag or on the ground, but she turned out to be on the third pitch of the route.

“Fortunately she was reasonably accessible and one of the team’s paramedics and the team doctor were able to reach her to administer both first aid and analgesia.

“The crew of the two supporting aircraft conferred, and it was agreed that the RAF Sea King would winch her direct from the crag. She was then flown to the Cumberland Infirmary for treatment.”

As soon as the first rescue ended, the Keswick team was called out again.

A 47-year-old Lincoln man fell 6m (20ft) while climbing on Castle Rock, Thirlmere.

The Great North Air Ambulance and RAF helicopters attended both incidents. Photo: GNAAS

He hit his head in the fall and team members were concerned he might have suffered possible spinal injuries.

The team spokesperson said: “The Sea King from the previous job was still at Carlisle, and it was requested to come and repeat its party trick from the morning.

“The air ambulance also attended to assist with the medical treatment.”

The injured climber was then flown to hospital in Carlisle.

The two-hour rescue involved 15 Keswick MRT volunteers.