The Great North Air Ambulance and the Royal Navy Sea King after returning to the valley. Photo: GNAAS

A walker has died after collapsing on England’s third highest mountain.

The 64-year-old man from Lincoln suffered a cardiac arrest today on Helvellyn Little Man, a short distance below the summit of the 950m (3,120 ft) peak.

Patterdale and Keswick Mountain Rescue Teams were called out and the Great North Air Ambulance Pride of Cumbria helicopter was scrambled at 2.20pm from its base near Penrith.

An air ambulance spokesperson said fellow walkers performed cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on the man at the scene.

“Low cloud prevented aircraft from reaching the casualty and the air ambulance medic was dropped close by on the hill to make his way on foot,” the spokesperson said.

A Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from HMS Gannet in Ayrshire, which was training nearby, also joined the rescue operation.

The GNAA spokesperson said: “All teams worked together to resuscitate the patient but sadly he did not respond and was pronounced dead on the hill.

“We would like to take the chance to extend our sympathy to the family and friends of the patient.”