A woman was rushed to hospital after falling off her horse on a St Bees beach this morning.

Ambulance crews were called to the scene just before 11.50am and found that the woman, who has not been identified, had suffered head injuries in the fall.

She was taken to the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven and her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

The Coastguard was alerted and attended the scene because of an incoming tide at the time of the incident.

A spokesman for the coastguard said an air ambulance was called to the scene because of the type of injuries the woman sustained. However, it was not needed and she was transported to hospital in an ambulance.

He added that the horse is safe and is being looked after by friends of the casualty.