Potholer's lung removed after fall

A potholer had half a lung removed following an underground accident in which he fell 30 metres.

The 37-year-old from Stafford was airlifted to hospital after the incident in the Ribblesdale area of North Yorkshire on Monday.

The alarm was raised by his caving companion as the pair tackled a hole known as Diccan Pot near Selside Farm, Horton.

He had already emerged from the hole by the time he realised his friend was trapped underground.

The men were inside Diccan Pot

A cave rescue team managed to free the injured man.

He was taken to Leeds General Infirmary by a Sea King helicopter from RAF Kinloss.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the injured man was a regular potholer.

He added: "He has had half a lung removed, a lot of blood was involved and he suffered some minor spinal fractures.

"However he is expected to make a full recovery."

Police have praised the cave rescue team for their work.