The rescue scene on the banks of the River Eden. Photo: GNAAS

A woman was airlifted to hospital after suffering serious injuries when she fell while walking on a Cumbria river bank.

The woman fell about 30ft down a rocky embankment of the River Eden close to Lacy’s Caves, near Glassonby on Monday.

Penrith Mountain Rescue Team was called out and the Great North Air Ambulance flew to the scene about 1.30pm.

A GNAAS spokesperson said: “The aircrew doctor and paramedic team were dropped off by the helicopter and had to make their way on foot through woods and then scramble down to the patient’s location.

“Once on scene they assessed and treated the lady for head, neck and arm injuries while the pilot ferried equipment from the helicopter to the site.”

Penrith MRT members used ropes to help stretcher the woman, in her 50s back up to the path before carrying her to the waiting helicopter.

The injured walker was then flown to Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne for further treatment. She was described as stable on arrival.

The rescue involved nine Penrith MRT volunteers for three hours.