A HORSE rider was airlifted to hospital after being injured in a fall in the Black Mountains on Saturday.

Longtown Mountain Rescue Team was already in the area, marshalling hundreds of walkers on their annual fundraising walk, the Big Black Mountains Challenge.

Members were diverted to help the 39-year-old woman from Hereford who fallen just above Capel-y-Ffin.

The woman was treated at the scene by a team doctor and a paramedic from South Wales Ambulance Service before being airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, by a Coastguard and Maritime Agency helicopter.

Luke Lewis, Longtown MRT team leader, said: “Due to the mechanism of her injuries a speedy diagnosis and treatment was carried out.

"It was decided that helicopter support was required, resulting in a flight to University Hospital Wales in Cardiff for further treatment. We wish the lady a speedy recovery from her injuries”

The Big Black Mountains Challenge has been raising money for the team for 33 years.

People from across Britain came to Llanthony Abbey on Saturday, to test themselves on one three routes of either 17km, 27km or 50km.

Mr Lewis added: “We’d like to thank everyone who took up the challenge, they showed great determination in completing the three routes. It’s our most important fundraising event of the year and ensures that the team can continue, as we rely almost entirely on public donations.

“We’d like to thank our sponsors Trekitt, from Hereford, who generously support this event every year. Also the Passmore family at Llanthony for their unstinting support over the last 30 years and Abergavenny Round Table which has supported the team at BBMC for many years.

“Also thanks to our team members who spent a long day out on the hill to ensure everyone made it safely through the day.”