A multi-agency rescue operation was launched after a man went missing during a paragliding outing in the Lake District.

The alarm was raised when a woman reported her partner was overdue from a 'speed flying' trip on Great Rigg, Fairfield (Tuesday, October 29). 

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) was joined by Langdale Ambleside MRT, Coniston MRT, and several other teams from across the region, including from southern Scotland. 

The search also involved GNAAS Helimed 58 and the coastguard helicopter.

Despite efforts, which included search dogs, the initial search was called off at about 2am.

A more extensive search was organised at 'first light' the following day (October 31). 

The Keswick team focused on the side of Stone Arthur and Great Rigg. 

Low visibility for Coastguard helicopterLow visibility for Coastguard helicopter (Image: Keswick MRT)

"Having thoroughly searched about half the area in low cloud and very poor visibility, a call was received to say the paraglider had been spotted high on the fellside by the Cockermouth team in a brief window in the mist," a Keswick MRT spokesperson said.

"The man was given shelter and was treated by MRT members.

"The teams witnessed some very impressive low level flying from the Coastguard whose only option was to visually follow the terrain, from a clear window in the cloud far below, up the ridge to the casualty site.

"The casualty was then lifted by the helicopter to a location from where he could be transferred to an air ambulance and flown to hospital," they said. 

A spokesperson from Langdale MRT said the paraglider was "found to have a number of injuries". 

In a post on social media, the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association wrote: "On behalf of the paraglider pilot, we would like to thank all the agencies and rescue teams that assisted in this rescue.

"Once the pilot has made a sufficient recovery, we will be speaking to him to ascertain the cause of the accident in order, if possible, to try to prevent any recurrence."