The climber's 200 metre fall was broken by his rope

The Sea King from HMS Gannet, Prestwick, went to the aid of the man who had been climbing in Tower Scoop on Thursday afternoon.

The helicopter manoeuvred into a narrow space before Petty Officer Daz Craig was winched down to the climber.

The casualty was flown to Glen Nevis and then taken to hospital.

Northern Constabulary said the alarm was raised at about 1400 GMT on Thursday. The man had been climbing with a friend.

Police said his injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

The Royal Navy mission was made difficult by the steep sides of the gully and icy surroundings.

The team was pilots Lt Mike Paulet, Lt George "Logie" Baird, observer/winch operator Lt Mark Brosnan and Petty Officer Craig.

'Very proud'

Lt Paulet said the helicopter had to operate close to the gully's ice face.

He said: "This really was a tricky rescue because we had to put our winch line out to its full extent with our winchman on the end of it."

HMS Gannet's Commanding Officer Brian Nicholas said: "I am very proud of my team.