A KAYAKER was taken to hospital after suffering a back injury while navigating the River Tees.

Paramedics and members of Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue team (TWSMRT) were called to a spot on the River Tees near Barnard Castle at about 12.30pm on Saturday to assist a kayaker who had suffered a back injury.

The kayaker, who had been trying to navigate the Abbey Rapids. had managed to get themselves to the river bank but needed further assistance.

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A North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) provided casualty care and pain relief while members of the search and rescue team used a pulley system to get the patient up the bank.

The Northern Echo:

The patient was then taken to hospital by a land ambulance.

A spokesman for TWSMRT said: "The group of experienced kayakers called for help promptly, which meant that the casualty’s condition didn’t worsen in the cold weather.

"We wish the casualty a speedy recovery."

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