Ravine rescue man seriously hurt

The man is in hospital in Dumfries with serious head injuries

A man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after being rescued from cliffs in southern Scotland.

Ricky Morrow, 20, from Longtown in Cumbria, fell onto rocks at Auchenlarie in Dumfries and Galloway at about 2000 BST on Sunday.

The alarm was raised by his 16-year-old nephew who was out climbing with him.

Coastguard teams and a Royal Navy helicopter were sent to the scene and the man was taken to Dumfries Infirmary with serious head and body injuries.

The two young men were on holiday in Dumfries and Galloway at a nearby caravan site.

If you want to ensure that you enjoy your coastal activity safely, you may like to consider joining a club or doing some training Paul Parkes Marine and Coastguard Agency

The rescue operation took some time as they proved hard to find but were eventually located in a ravine.

A lifeboat took coastguards to the area while a paramedic was winched down to the casualty from the helicopter.

He was then taken to Dumfries Infirmary for treatment.

Liverpool Coastguard watch manager Paul Parkes said: "The cliffs at Auchenlarie are 20ft to 30ft but are very difficult to access with rocks and boulders at the bottom.

"This was a search and rescue which involved air, sea and land-based crews working together to rescue the young man."

Right equipment

He said the incident highlighted the need to take care when going cliff or rock climbing.

"If you are considering participating in these kinds of activities please remember that cliff faces are often remote, slippery and dangerous places, particularly when wet," he said.

"Make sure that you tell someone where you are going before you set out and keep in touch with them.

"Don't rely too heavily on mobile phones - the reception can be unreliable."

He added that the right clothes and the right equipment were also essential.

"If you want to ensure that you enjoy your coastal activity safely, you may like to consider joining a club or doing some training," he added.