Hiker safe after eight-hour rescue operation in Peak District

Glossop, Kinder and Edale Mountain Rescue teams took part in the operation to find the trapped hiker Credit: MEN Media

A hiker is recovering after he was saved by Mountain Rescue teams when he became stuck in freezing conditions in the Peak District.

Sixty members of teams from Glossop, Kinder and Edale battled through ice and snow in a dramatic eight-hour operation.

Mountain rescuers were called out just after 3.20pm on 7 January when the walker got into difficulty in deep snow.

So severe were the conditions facing the teams that a Coastguard helicopter was forced to abandon the rescue after numerous attempts to lift the casualty out.

Thirty members of the Glossop Mountain Rescue Team responded to the incident, before being joined by 12 from Kinder and 18 from Edale, but the volunteers were initially unable to find the man.

After battling their way to the casualty teams had then to stretcher him off the hills Credit: MEN Media

Once he was located, the trekker was treated for hypothermia and stretchered back to safety.

The team were finally able to stand down at midnight, with the Glossop rescuers admitting they "couldn’t have done it without the support of our neighbouring teams".

A spokesperson for Glossop Mountain Rescue Team added: "The team were called out 3:21pm to a casualty who had got into difficulty in deep snow. Unfortunately, we were unable to define his exact location so the team went out with a number of search patterns across the plateau.

"Visibility and mobility across the moor were hampered by snow that was drifting up to 3ft in depth. The casualty was located in the Hern Stones area, assessed and provided with warming blankets due to significant hypothermia. With the potential for life threatening injuries we requested support from the Coastguard S92 helicopter."

So severe were the conditions that a Coastguard Helicopter had to abandon its attempts to help Credit: MEN Media

"Unfortunately, after several attempts they were forced to turn back by the weather on Bleaklow. Considering the arduous nature of conditions, Kinder and Edale mountain rescue teams were called on to support with the stretcher carry back to the roadhead.

"The casualty was transported off the hill to snake summit using our new sled - fabricated by Wray Engineering - where he was passed onto the awaiting ambulance for further assessment and treatment. We wish the casualty a speedy recovery."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...