The callout was the second in a week to the same area. Photo: NNPMRT

Rescuers were called out for the second time in a week to The Cheviot to aid a walker in difficulties.

Members of Northumberland Mountain Park Rescue Team and North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team responded to a request for help from the lone walker near the England-Scotland border.

Rescuers warned hill-goers should prepare properly for their outings, with the return of wintry conditions.

Keith Briggs, team leader for the North of Tyne team, said: “We received a request from the North East Ambulance Service and Northumbria Police to help a man who was experiencing difficulties on the side of The Cheviot.

“Given the potentially seriousness of his conditions and the worsening weather conditions, we immediately deployed our volunteers.”

Two hasty teams made their way onto the hill from the Harthope Valley with the help of one of the local estate workers who used his 4×4 to transport them part way up the hillside.

One of the teams quickly located the casualty and provided medical assistance while other team members arrived at the rendezvous point, preparing to deploy. Rescuers said the casualty was well enough to move and walked part way down the hillside to a waiting mountain rescue vehicle before being evacuated to the valley floor where he was assessed by the ambulance service.

Northumberland National Park team leader Iain Nixon said: “Once again, another great example of multi-agency teamwork.

“The gentleman did the right thing when he became unwell and called for help. We were able to get our volunteers onto the hill very quickly to help him.”

Both teams reminded hill-goers to have appropriate equipment and experience when venturing out onto the local hills this week. “With bitterly cold northerly winds and snow forecast for Northumberland national park this week, people must make sure that they have the right kit,” Mr Nixon said. “If you think you’re prepared, imagine what it would be like sitting with a broken ankle with a windchill of -8C for over an hour wearing just what you have in your bag. Would you survive?”

This incident involved 29 team members and lasted almost 3¼ hours.