A 70-year-old man was rescued by coastguards after slipping and injuring his ankle on the west Dorset coast path.

West Bay Coastguard Team was alerted just before 2.10pm on Thursday by Solent Coastguard to support the team from Lyme Regis who were helping the man east of Charmouth who was walking between the village and Cain’s Folly when he fell.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: “He was already under the expert care of the Lyme Regis team who required extra officers to help evacuate the casualty from the cliff path back to the main road, where the ambulance would be waiting.

“Arriving on scene, the casualty had already been packaged and was ready for transport.

“A 'stretcher wheel' was fitted to the underside of the teams rescue stretcher and the man was part rolled, part carried off the cliffs and to the waiting ambulance.

“He was then left in the care of the South Western Ambulance Service.

“We wish the gentleman a full and speedy recovery.

"Stay safe on the coast this winter. But if you find yourself in difficulty or you see something which gives you cause for concern then do not hesitate, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”