The operation called for precision flying from the helicopter crew. Photo: Derby MRT

A climber was airlifted to hospital after injuring himself and falling from a Derbyshire crag.

The man was attempting a route at High Tor near Matlock Bath on Friday when he dislocated his shoulder while tackling a difficult move.

The climber, who was visiting the area from London, fell from the rock and was held on the rope by his climbing partner but landed heavily, resulting in an additional ankle injury.

Due to the difficult position they were in, the pair called for help and Derby Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 4pm.

One of the team’s paramedics treated the injured climber at the scene. A team spokesman said: “As the man was in a great deal of pain and the carry-out by stretcher would have taken several hours and been very uncomfortable due to the extreme terrain, a Coastguard helicopter was called, which has the ability to winch a casualty on a stretcher.

Rescue team members and Coastguard crew prepare to winch the injured man. Photo: Derby MRT

“The Coastguard helicopter arrived on scene just after 6pm and carried out a difficult manoeuvre to hover just above the cliff face and winch up the stretcher within the very narrow gap between the rock face and the trees at the foot of the cliff.

“The man was then flown to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield for treatment.

The spokesman added: “We’re grateful to the crew of the HM Coastguard helicopter. Their skilled flying prevented us having to undertake a very difficult carry out, which would have been extremely arduous for the casualty.”