AN 'experienced mountaineer' has died after being discovered unconscious on Helvellyn.

A search and rescue dog found the man, named locally as John Chadwick, laying seriously injured near a 150ft drop at 1am on Wednesday.

Teams from Patterdale and Keswick Mountain Rescue and a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter were dispatched but bad weather meant the helicopter could not land near the man.

It took two hours for rescue teams to stretcher the man to the helicopter, during which time he suffered a cardiac arrest and was revived by three doctors and a paramedic who were on hand.

He was airlifted to the major trauma centre at Newcastle Hospital where he passed away the following day.

Mike Blakey, Patterdale MRT Team Leader, said: "It was not somebody who did not have the right equipment or experience. He was a very experienced climber and this was just a tragic accident."

A message posted on the website of The Climbers' Club said: "John had been a member of the Club for thirty years and had contributed to its activities through being a committee member and also membership Secretary."

Patterdale team members were supported in the search by Kirkby Stephen and Penrith mountain rescue teams, the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs and a Royal Navy helicopter.

It is understood Mr Chadwick had been climbing on the head wall when he fell. 

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"On behalf of all those involved in this very difficult rescue of a fellow mountaineer we would like to express our deepest sympathy to his wife, family and friends," added Mr Blakey. "He was well equipped and knew what he was doing in a place that he loved.

"I would also like to express our thanks to all of our colleagues in other teams, the Royal Navy Seaking Crew, Police and Air Rescue Coordination Centre in Kinloss for their support throughout."