DESPITE the efforts of medically qualified passers-by, a walker on the highest of the Yorkshire Three Peaks collapsed and died at the weekend.

Two medical professionals, who were walking in the area, and were carrying a defibrillator,  attempted CPR on the man who was unconscious and not breathing close to the summit of Whernside on Saturday afternoon.

Both North Yorkshire and Cumbria police alerted Cave Rescue Organisation at 1.21pm which then called for an air ambulance, but sadly, the man could not be resuscitated.

A spokesperson for Clapham-based CRO said: "The team was alerted by both Cumbria Police and North Yorkshire Police to reports of an adult male who was unconscious and not breathing.

"Once it was established this was a single incident and the location was close to the summit of Whernside which borders both counties the team was able to respond.

"The team also made a request for Yorkshire Air Ambulance to attend through the police. Two medical professionals who were walking on Whernside had already begun CPR and they also had a defibrillator with them.

"Sadly despite their best efforts and those of the Helimed (air ambulance) crew the casualty could not be resuscitated.

"The team then worked with the Helimed crew to evacuate the casualty to the road head for transfer to the police and ambulance crew."

The spokesperson added: "The team’s thoughts are with the deceased’s family and friends."