A LARGE-scale rescue operation was mounted after a man fell off the top of a 120ft crane and was hanging in mid-air.

The drama unfolded yesterday, just after 11am, in the middle of a busy shopping centre, which is undergoing major development.

Fortunately, there was no real cause for alarm as this was a simulated training exercise by members of the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team and firefighters from Bury.

Gary Rhodes, from Bolton Mountain Rescue, said: “This exercise is about multi-agency work and practising structure rescue techniques.

“The firefighters assess the situation and call us in.

“Our role is to bring the man who is hanging down safely, which is done by lowering him to the ground.”

The mock incident involved a dummy falling off the side of the crane and being left hanging in mid-air, held only by his safety equipment.

A driver in the cab also needed to be rescued because he was suffering from shock.

Also carrying out the exercise were crews from Whitefield and Ramsbottom, while firefighters from Bolton and Preston observed.

Members from Oldham Mountain Rescue Team also assisted.

Alan Topping, watch commander at Bury Fire Station, said: “Incidents of this nature are extremely rare, but dealing with the most extreme case prepares you for most eventualities.

“Firefighters have to be aware of all potential hazards in their area and Bury town centre is undergoing massive development.

“We have to be prepared to deal with any incidents that could happen as a result.”

John Hughes, from the Urban Search and Rescue Team, said: “This is a very innovative exercise and could put in place new procedures.

“This exercise is vital given how much development is taking place across Greater Manchester.”