A WOMAN was airlifted from the Ingleborough area early on Saturday morning after injuring her ankle.

The 56-year old was on a group walk when she fell on the still icy path at Humphrey Bottom, Chapel-le-dale.

Cave Rescue Organisation, which received a call at 7.38am from Lancashire Police, had also earlier been given a 'heads-up' from one of its off-duty members who was passing the area while guiding his own group.

A spokesperson for CRO said: "The walker in had slipped on the still icy path - despite the good weather it was still only 2 degrees - and badly hurt her ankle.

"Team members were hastily despatched using our CRO4 ATV (all terrain) to reach the site. "Unfortunately 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, faced with the prospect of a long stretcher carry, we sought the assistance of colleagues at Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

"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."