A PARAGLIDER had to be airlifted to hospital after he crash-landed on the summit of Pendle Hill yesterday afternoon.

Clitheroe paramedic Bob Massey said the man had a life-threatening injury and praised the quick response time of the police helicopter which enabled him to be transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital in less than 10 minutes.

He said: "If the helicopter had not been available we would have had to carry him down the mile and a half and then he would have had a 45-minute trip across moorland roads to get to hospital."

Timothy Peter Wright, in his 30s from Preston, had been trying out a new canopy on his paraglider when it collapsed. He suffered chest, head and back injuries.

He was in radio contact with a ground crew who called out the emergency services. Mr Massey said Mr Wright was able to give details of his injuries so, before the paramedics left Pendle House Farm to hike up the hill, they knew exactly what equipment to take with them.

Rossendale Search and Rescue Team were also called and despatched three vehicles and a 20-man crew.

Paul Higgin, the rescue deputy team leader, said: "It was fortunate the police helicopter managed to land on the top of the hill because there was a lot of low cloud around."

Mr Wright's condition was described as stable today. He is in the high dependency unit.

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