A WALKER took "a long slide" after falling in snow on a Lake District fell side yesterday and sustained serious injuries.

His cries for help close to Grisedale Tarn were heard by members of the public who contacted Cumbria Police.

Volunteers from Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team responded and were helped after one of those who contacted the emergency services, a member of Bolton Mountain Rescue Team, was able to give an accurate location for the stricken walker and other vital information.

An air ambulance along with the coastguard helicopter from Prestwick were also called and on board paramedics helped the mountain rescuers deal with the man's injuries, a suspected broken pelvis and fractured shoulder.

The man was winched aboard the coastguard helicopter and taken to the Royal Preston Hospital.

The rescue at 1.20pm took four-and-a-half hours and involved 23 mountain rescue personnel including members from the Penrith team.