A WOMAN suffered a serious ankle injury while walking on Winter Hill.

The 22-year-old was walking on the hill with her 15-year-old brother on Tuesday evening.

Just after 9.30pm, the pair were reported missing and Lancashire Police asked Bolton Mountain Rescue Team (BMRT) for assistance in locating them.

It is believed the brother and sister had become separated while walking on the hill, due to the level of mist.

Police officers, mountain rescue volunteers and a National Police Air Service HQ helicopter all attended to help with the search.

The 15-year-old boy was found quickly and taken to safety.

Shortly after, the 22-year-old woman was found by mountain rescue volunteers, with the help of the helicopter which was shining a light on the hill.

The woman was stuck in a boggy area on the moor and had suffered a serious ankle injury. She was also cold, wet and unable to walk.

A spokesman for BMRT said: "She was protected from the elements whilst her injuries were treated by team members.

"Once stabilised she was carried off the hill on a stretcher to team vehicles waiting in Coal Pit Road, and then conveyed in one of our Land Rovers for further treatment at Royal Bolton Hospital.

"Throughout the incident the police helicopter remained overhead to provide lighting.

"In total 27 team members were involved in this incident, working alongside many officers at Lancashire Constabulary and the NPAS Helicopter air crew.

"We wish the female involved a swift and full recovery from her injuries."