A WALKER was airlifted after slipping on an 'icy patch' and hurting her ankle.

The Cave Rescue Organisation received an early morning alert from Lancashire Police to assist a woman walker who had injured her ankle whilst on a group walk on Ingleborough.

The walker slipped on the icy path and badly hurt her ankle. Team members were dispatched using their CRO4 ATV to reach the site. 

The ground conditions prevented the use of Land Rovers to reach the site and other members had to walk with gear up to the site.

The team doctor administered treatment and pain relief to the casualty on site and was faced with the prospect of a long stretcher carry. They sought the assistance of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

A spokesperson for the team said: "Thankfully, they were in a position to assist and were quickly on site to transport the casualty to a waiting ambulance at the road below.

"The casualty was taken to hospital for treatment, and we wish her a speedy recovery. Members stood down and returned home for a late breakfast! It was the start of a busy day."