TWO experienced climbers, who were swept 750ft in an avalanche in the Lake District, remain in serious but stable condition in hospital.

Extreme sports enthusiast Stuart Nelson, 21, of New Marske, east Cleveland suffered broken bones and facial injuries after becoming caught up in the torrent of snow in the Lake District on Monday evening.

His fellow climber, Caed Parker, 22, of Redcar, suffered severe head injuries.

The friends were taken to the intensive care unit at Cumberland Infirmary, in Carlisle, where they remain.

They were among a group of four who were hurt while tackling St Sunday Craig, above Patterdale, in Cumbria.

A 54-year-old man from the Durham area suffered an ankle injury while a man in his 50s from Merseyside was unscathed.

It is believe Mr Nelson and Mr Parker may have triggered the avalanche as they crossed a point called Pinnacle Ridge.

A major rescue operation was launched after they were swept 750ft by the snow.