TWO badly-injured walkers were rescued from the moors above Marsden.

Both were elderly women and both were among a large number of ramblers and walkers attracted to the hills by the good weather over the weekend.

The majority enjoyed incident-free walks, but the two walkers were unlucky and suffered injuries in falls.

Members of Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team were called to help both casualties.

The first call was on Saturday afternoon near the Wessenden Valley above Marsden.

A past fundraiser for Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team was out walking with her 77-year-old mother, from Oakes, on a moorland path above the Wessenden Valley.

They were making their way down a steep banking on to the Wessenden track planning to head back to Marsden when the older woman stumbled.

Unable to walk any further, her daughter called 999 and requested ambulance assistance together with mountain rescue due to their location.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance flew to the scene, but was unable to land close to the casualty due to the terrain.

Rescue team members helped by three crew from the Air Ambulance stretchered the injured lady to the waiting ambulance at Wessenden Lodge.

She was then taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary where an x-ray confirmed that her lower left leg was broken in four places.

Family members reported that the lady had undergone surgery but was in good spirits.

Hours later, on Sunday, while out training on the moors above Hey Green, Marsden, one group from Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team were required to help a 68-year-old woman from Doncaster who slipped on ice.

She was out walking with a group of fellow hill walkers from the Doncaster area when she fell, landing badly on her right arm.

Team members treated her at the scene then transported her by the team Land Rover to their headquarters at Marsden Fire Station where she was transferred by ambulance to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary for an x-ray.

Gill Howarth, team leader of Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team, said that although the two groups were well prepared to enjoy the winter sunshine over the weekend the unexpected can happen.

“It’s essential to plan your route, carry the correct kit and food for the day and know how to get help if the worst should happen,” she said.

“If an accident does happen and you require assistance from Mountain Rescue dial 999, ask for the ambulance service or police together with mountain rescue.

“Provide information regarding your position and what has happened together with your details,” Gill added.