A MAN is recovering in hospital with a badly broken leg after falling from his mountain bike while cycling on moorland at Rivington.

Ian McCellon, aged 23, of Wheelton, was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital by air ambulance following the fall near the Pigeon Tower at 1.50pm yesterday.

Mr McCellon was given gas and air at the scene. He broke a number of bones in his right leg.

Bolton Mountain Rescue and Lancashire ambulance crews were alerted after Mr McCellon's friend, Matt Stott, of Croston, called 999 on his mobile phone.

Fourteen members of Bolton Mountain Rescue Team and three Land Rover ambulances were scrambled to the scene.

Team Leader Garry Rhodes said: "The track is very steep and uneven and he just fell off. He was in a lot of pain but is now recovering in hospital.

"It was an excellent effort from ourselves and other emergency services."

It is the 48th time Bolton Mountain Rescue Team has been called this year. IN PAIN: Emergency services with the injured Ian McCellon prior to his airliftRef: J3615/3