A WORKMAN had a lucky escape after plunging from an icy roof.

Alan Shaw, believed to be from Rishton, was carrying out repair work on a property in Sudell Nook, Darwen, when he slipped.

He slid down the roof and was flung 10ft away into a car park, missing a stone wall by inches.

An ambulance spokesman said: "He was working at the back of the property and was using a safety ladder but he came round to the front where it was still icy and slipped right off.

"Because of the speed he was going he shot about 10ft into a car park.

"He is exceptionally lucky he didn't do more damage, in fact he is lucky to be alive. He missed a stone wall by inches. If he had hit his head or back it could have been a lot worse."

A passer-by helped ambulance staff lift Mr Shaw onto a spinal board and he was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where he was treated for minor injuries to his feet.