The biker was on the fells above Pooley Bridge. Photo: Mick Knapton CC-BY-SA-3.0

A mountain biker was airlifted to hospital after collapsing on the Lakeland fells.

The 47-year-old, from Houston, Texas, was riding on the High Street range above Pooley Bridge today when he passed out.

Penrith Mountain Rescue Team was alerted and the Great North Air Ambulance flew to the scene about 5pm.

A GNAA spokesperson said: “On arrival at the scene the aircrew doctor and paramedic assessed and treated a patient for a serious medical condition.

“The patient was then transferred to the waiting helicopter by Penrith Mountain Rescue team members and flown to hospital.”

The spokesperson said the rider was stable when he arrived at Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, 10 minutes later.