TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known figure of the Cumbrian paragliding community after his paraglider crashed into a Lake District mountain over the weekend.

Keswick MRT, GNAAS, RAF MRT, and Coastguard helicopter were called out to Blencathra on Sunday, February 25 at 2.01pm after police had received calls from walkers who had seen a paraglider crash into a crag on the mountain.

Despite the best efforts of multiple rescue services 'nothing could be done' to save the paraglider pilot, with Keswick MRT sending their deepest condolences to the man who was said to be 'a friend' to a number of the teams members.

A spokesman for Keswick MRT said: "Cumbria Police received a number of calls from walkers who had witnessed a paraglider crash near Foule Crag on Blencathra. Helimed 58 and the Coastguard helicopter quickly deployed and lifted Keswick team members close to the casualty location.

"RAF Mountain Rescue Service were training in the area and also responded. A Helimed doctor and Keswick team member were lowered to the paraglider pilot but unfortunately nothing could be done to save the man.

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to the man’s family and friends. He was a well known figure in the lakes paragliding community, and a friend to a number of Keswick MRT members.

"Many thanks to the rapid response and support from H58, Coastguard helicopter and the RAF."