A COUNCIL chief is recovering at home after being injured in a rock climbing accident.

Mike Chambers, 41-year-old chief executive of Hyndburn Borough Council, suffered a minor fracture over his eye and bruised hands when a fixture anchoring safety rope became loose.

The fall happened while he was rock climbing with his wife, Caroline and other mountaineering friends at Wilton Cones Quarry, near Bolton.

Mr Chambers, who lives in Ramsbottom, spent two days in Bolton General Hospital, said: "The whole thing happened very quickly and I remember very little about the incident itself.

"Occasionally these things happen to climbers and it goes to underline the importance of proper safety equipment and expertise.

"This is something that we always stress with less experienced climbers and it certainly proved invaluable in this instance.

"Obviously it's a bit of a shock when something like this happens, but I'm glad to be back home and on the road to recovery." Council leader George Slynn said: "Naturally, we'd like to see Mr Chambers back soon but our main concern at the moment is that he should take it easy while he regains his fitness."

Conservative Group leader Peter Britcliffe said: "Mr and Mrs Chambers are both experienced climbers and do a lot of voluntary work with youth groups introducing young people to outdoor pursuits like canoeing, mountaineering and hill walking.

"Unfortunately with injures like this it can take a little time to get back on your feet, but we are all hoping Mr Chambers will be back at his desk before too long."

The chief executive is keeping in touch with work by phone and through the e-mail link he has at home.

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