Express & Star

Dramatic mountain rescue picture wins Star Witness prize

A dramatic mountain rescue mission in the Lake District highlands, complete with helicopter, was caught on camera by a hiker and Express & Star reader.

Published

Its was the sight that greeted Kidderminster wood machinist Paul Higgins when he took his sons on a walking trip in late August.

Mr Higgins said: "My two boys, a few friends and I are into the outdoor life and we went up there for a long weekend.

"We like to do it as often as possible, six or seven times a year."

The winning picture. Could you take home the £100 prize next month?

Mr Higgins and his sons Nathan, aged 25, and Thomas, aged 21, were traversing a hillside known as Striding Edge when they began to hear the sound of a helicopter in the distance.

"When we arrived we decided to take on Striding Edge as it was one we had not done before.

"As we climbed we heard the sound of a helicopter in the distance."

The helicopter did not cause Mr Higgins much concern at first.

"You hear the sound of helicopters quite regularly up there so we did not think anything of it at first.

"It got closer and closer and suddenly we saw it. There was a man leaning out of the door with a megaphone shouting at as to stay back."

Mr Higgins and his sons were forced to stay where the were for almost half an hour as the rescue operation took place and the man was winched out.

Mr Higgins said: "We could not get any closer as the blades would have just pushed us back so we stayed where we were."

The helicopter then disappeared and Mr Higgins was left none-the-wiser of the rescued party's condition.

"We heard nothing about him once the helicopter had gone," Mr Higgins said. "For all we know it could have just been a practice mission."

Mr Higgins said the efficiency of the mountain rescue team impressed him.

"I have always made sure to donate to the mountain rescue if I ever see a collection tin," he said. "They need our support because you never know when you might find yourself in need of them."

The best picture each month will win £100.

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