A WOMAN suffered back and shoulder injuries in a paraglider crash near Blandford yesterday.

The Portland Coastguard helicopter was called to deal with the emergency and the injured woman was flown to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester.

The paraglider came down at Ibberton at around 5pm on Sunday and the victim's injuries are described as serious.

A spokesman for Portland coastguard said the helicopter was able to land next to the woman and a neck brace and inflatable spine board were used to make her comfortable and to protect her.

The helicopter was met at the hospital by personnel from the Wyke Regis Coastguard team.