HOYLAKE lifeboat volunteers went to the aid of a woman needing medical help after slipping on wet rocks during a walk to Hilbre Island.

The casualty was part of a walking party of around 30 people that had been making its way to Hilbre Island on Wednesday afternoon.

While passing around Middle Eye, the casualty slipped and was reportedly experiencing pain in her left hip.

Hoylake's inshore rescue hovercraft Hurley Spirit launched immediately and arrived on scene at Middle Eye shortly afterwards, where the volunteer crew checked her injuries and administered casualty care.

She was carefully placed into a stretcher and transferred on board the hovercraft, before being flown ashore along with a companion and was passed to the care of waiting North West Ambulance Service paramedics and officers from the Wirral and Flint Coastguard Rescue Teams.

Volunteer hovercraft pilot Matt Schanck said: "The walk between the Hilbre Islands can sometimes be quite hazardous, especially after the tide has been in.

"Even experienced walkers can get into difficulty, so it is always worth taking additional care when crossing between the islands.

"Our volunteer crew train regularly for casualty care and medical evacuation scenarios.

"Working together, we were able to make sure the casualty was transferred ashore as safely and comfortably as possible to the paramedics, who praised our volunteers for their professionalism."