ROCK climber was rescued after falling in a quarry on the moors above Chorley.

The Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team was scrambled to help the man who had fallen from Anglezarke Quarry.Climber resuced from quarry after fall.

Lancashire Air Ambulance also took part in the rescue operation, rushing the climber to Bolton Hospital.

The team was called to assist an ambulance crew who had stabilised the climber at the bottom of a 35-foot ascent.

The climber, who was well equipped, had lost his grip near the top of the route in one of the most popular climbing venues in the county. He damaged his back, pelvis and shoulder.

Using specialist mountain rescue equipment to lift him onto a stretcher without moving his back or legs, he was then carried half a mile to the waiting air ambulance. This was only the 12th call out for the mountain rescue team this year due to the enforced closure of the fells as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak.

Last year they responded to more than 70 requests for assistance from both the police and ambulance services.

Tony Bond, team leader, said: "We are always pleased to be of assistance to those in need -- hopefully now many of the fells are open in the county we will all be able to enjoy the areas we love."

Just over a fortnight ago the team helped rescue a paraglider from Chorley who had crashed into a hillside near Chipping in the Trough of Bowland.

Billy Maxwell, of Highfield Road, Chorley, suffered a broken arm, leg injury and cuts and bruises.