The walker is hauled up the river bank. Photo: Kirkby Stephen MRT

A walker had to be hauled 130ft up a river bank in a stretcher after breaking her ankle.

Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team members were called to the scene in Mallerstang in Cumbria after the woman fell down a long steep bank of the River Eden.

She was treated at the scene by an ambulance paramedic and members of the rescue team after her fall on Saturday, and then stretchered 40m up the bank to the team’s waiting rescue Land Rover.

A Kirkby Stephen MRT spokesperson said: “In spite of her injury she remained in good spirits.

“She was transferred to a waiting road ambulance and taken to hospital for further treatment.

“The members of the team were able return to their homes in time to watch the rugby.”

The rescue involved eight members of Kirkby Stephen MRT and lasted two hours.

• The team spokesperson said visitors will be able to see all the equipment used in the rescue and more at the team’s regular open day on Easter Saturday and Sunday. The rescue base in Christian Head will be open from about 10am and members of the team will be on hand all day to show people around and explain what the team does.

And on the Saturday, 4 April, there will also be the opportunity to learn navigation and hillwalking skills from members of the team. A full day’s training costs £40, with all proceeds going to the team.

The day can be booked through the events section of the team website.  The training day will be repeated on 18 April.