The runner was near Whernside's summit ridge when he fell

A fellrunner had to be rescued after falling 40ft from Yorkshire’s highest peak.

The 35-year-old was coming down from Whernside in the Yorkshire Dales today when he fell near the summit ridge of the 736m (2,415ft) hill.

The Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation was called out about 1.25pm and treated the man for his head injuries after the 12m fall.

He was then stretchered off the fell to a waiting ambulance.

An air ambulance at the scene could not be used because low cloud prevented it taking off.

It was the team’s 44th callout of the year.