A WOMAN who survived a 300ft fall down a mountain said she is lucky to be alive.

Beryl Hunt, 59, from Redcar, is reported to be 'comfortable and improving' in Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary where she was taken with a broken leg and ribs.

Mrs Hunt slipped and fell while walking on Helvellyn, England's third highest mountain, the day after the fell footpaths were reopened following the lifting of foot-and-mouth closure restrictions.

She was airlifted to hospital after being rescued by members of Patterdale Mountain Rescue team.

A hospital spokesman said: "Her husband says she considers herself very lucky and is very grateful to everyone."

Mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington had reopened some of the hills - the day before Mrs Hunt's fall - in a bid to attract visitors back to the area