A WOMAN has broken her back after plunging 80ft into a flooded quarry.

Ann Croft, aged 26, of Atherton Road, Hindley Green, was airlifted to hospital after the incident at Hillside Quarry, Parbold, on Sunday afternoon.

Police said she had been relaxing and drinking with friends and it is thought she jumped into water at the bottom of the quarry.

She went into the water feet first and hit submerged rocks. The emergency services spent three hours in a delicate rescue operation.

An air ambulance had to descend into the quarry with its blades only feet from the sheer walls.

Ms Croft had followed a companion who had jumped into the water without suffering injury.

She was taken to Southport Infirmary by the air ambulance where she is being treated for her spinal injuries.

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