Boy rescued after falling 200ft at historic site

An 11-year-old boy has been rescued after he fell 200ft (60m) down a steep slope at a historic tourist site.

Wiltshire Search and Rescue said 45 people were involved in helping the boy to safety at the Westbury White Horse on Sunday at 18:00 GMT.

Ropes were used to winch the boy to safety and a "breadcrumb trail" of glow sticks were dotted along the route down the hill after thick fog impacted visibility.

In a Facebook post, Wiltshire Search and Rescue said the boy, whose age has not been released, had "tumbled" down the steep hill face but that his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

The organisation added: "Light was fading, the temperature dropping and fog setting in by the time the rescue operation began.

"The location was just under half a kilometre from the nearest track; we were able to drive off-road some of the way, but the terrain and obstacles meant the final leg had to be on foot."

A 4x4 brought additional lights, a stretcher and hypothermia blanket to the scene which was brought down to the boy.

It was decided a rope system would be a safer way to get the stretcher off the hillside, instead of a helicopter.

The boy showed "remarkable maturity" during the incident according to Wiltshire Search and Rescue.

It continued: "It was noted by all involved that despite his young age, he showed remarkable maturity and calmness in a situation that some adults would struggle with."

A rescue team from Westlea Fire Station and paramedics from the South Western Ambulance service were also called to the scene.

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