THE families of two men injured in an avalanche in the Lake District thanked their rescuers today.

Stuart Nelson, 21, and Caed Parker, 22, were hurt while climbing the St Sunday Crag above Patterdale, Cumbria, on Monday.

The men, both from Redcar, are being treated at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

Mr Nelson is in a comfortable condition and Mr Parker is critical but stable, after suffering head injuries.

The families released a joint statement today, saying: "The families of Stuart and Caed would like to thank Patterdale Mountain Rescue, the North West Air Ambulance, Rescue 131 RAF Boulmer, Cumbria Police, North West Ambulance Service and all else involved in saving both of them, and the outstanding treatment and support from staff at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle."

The men were with two other walkers when the party apparently triggered the avalanche.

A 54-year-old man from the Durham area received treatment for an ankle injury.

The fourth member of the party, a man in his 50s from the Durham area, was apparently uninjured but received a check-up.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue team leader Martin Cotterell said: "We believe the party triggered the avalanche as they passed a point called Pinnacle Ridge. The two who were more seriously injured were swept away about 750ft.

"Some of the slopes in this area are currently unstable."