COASTGUARD and air ambulance helicopters took part in a dramatic rescue after a climber fell 40ft scaling a Lakeland crag.

The incident happened at Castle Rock of Triermain, Thirlmere, on Thursday when Keswick Mountain Rescue Team got a call on at 5.49pm.

A spokesman for the team said: "A 60-year-old male climber on the south crag took a fall.

"The rock protection the man had placed whilst climbing ripped out and he hit the ground before tumbling down the steep slope below coming to a stop when his rope came tight.

"His belayer secured him to a tree with the ropes to prevent further sliding down the slope before calling 999 and asking for mountain rescue and reporting head injuries.

"In light of the serious nature of the incident an air ambulance was requested.

"A team five team members quickly left the base followed shortly after by two more vehicles and other members going direct.

"One team member who lives locally reached the scene and was able to confirm location and to some degree his condition.

"A medical assessment was done he was moved away from the steep crumbling scree.

"The doctor from the air ambulance was able to assess and treat the casualty."

The Coastguard helicopter winched him to safety, and the air ambulance flew him to Preston Hospital.