Woman rescued after caving fall

The woman fell near the bottom of the cave

A woman has been rescued after falling during an amateur caving expedition in south Devon.

Emily Seleck was helping on a trip with Kingsbridge Community College when she fell about 3m (10ft) in the Pridhamsleigh Caves near Buckfastleigh.

The 19-year-old, from Kingsbridge, sustained possible spinal injuries in the fall and was airlifted to hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

About 30 volunteers carried out the three-and-a-half hour-long rescue.

The Devon Cave Rescue Organisation (DCRO) were assisted by Devon Fire and Rescue Service, Westcountry Ambulance and paramedics.

When she fell when she was near the bottom of the cave - which has a novice rating. Other members of the party went to the surface and raised the alarm.

A warm air heater was brought below ground to prevent hypothermia during the rescue.

A spokesman for the DCRO said the caves were regularly used for caving activities and are known to be safe.

He said the school party had been caving with a qualified instructor when the woman slipped.