INCREDIBLE pictures show 'expert' flying from a coastguard helicopter pilot hovering only a few feet off the ground during a mountain rescue operation in the Lakes.

Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue team (LAMRT) was called after a hiker took a serious fall near the top of Stickle Ghyll and landed in the water on Monday morning.

The team quickly requested the help of the North West Air Ambulance (NWAA) service and the Coastguard although there were concerns that weather conditions would prevent the helicopters from reaching the site. 

 

The volunteers enlisted the help of their Kendal Mountain Rescue Team colleagues in case they needed to perform a rope-based rescue. 

When arriving at the scene it was apparent that the casualty 'was in need of some urgent care.' With a gap in the cloud, air support could respond. 

The two helicopters involved in the rescueThe two helicopters involved in the rescue (Image: Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team)

"With the terrain too awkward for the helicopter to land close by, Rescue 199 expertly winched the casualty from the scene, where they were transferred to the NWAA at Stickle Tarn and transported to hospital to receive further care," a spokesperson from LAMRT said. 

They added that the joint efforts of all agencies involved 'significantly contributed to the successful outcome of this job.' 

The helicopters could perform the rescue due to a break in the cloudThe helicopters could perform the rescue due to a break in the cloud (Image: Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team)

"We would like to say a huge thank you to Kendal MRT, NWAA and Rescue 199 for their incredible and invaluable help," the spokesperson said. 

They added: "Thank you also to the passers-by that called the emergency services and helped at the scene until we arrived. We would like to wish the casualty a speedy recovery."