FIRE and ambulance services raced to the rescue of a builder in Hartpury after he had fallen down a well which had been covered by a board.

Two Fire and Rescue Service crews were alerted from the man via his mobile phone, and they were joined by the Rope Rescue Team from Lydney, an advisor for the Gloucestershire Cave Rescue Group plus the ambulance services Hazard Area Response Team.

The man was rescued using a ladder and was able to climb out unaided. He was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Incident commander Jon French said: "The gentleman was very fortunate to have his mobile phone so that he could call for help. He was conscious and talking when we arrived, and the rescue itself was fairly straightforward.

"This is the first time that I have attended an incident of this kind, but we have very clear procedures about rescuing people who are trapped below ground."