FIREFIGHTERS have rescued a dog walker after they had fallen into a two-metre deep ditch.

Crews from Leigh and Southend were called to Prittle Brook, Leigh, near to Darlinghurst Academy, today at 1.46pm.

A passer-by had called 999 after finding the man, who had sustained injuries, in a drainage ditch.

Watch Manager Dean Riley said: "Our crews worked really hard in difficult conditions with the Ambulance Service's Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).

"We helped to stabilise the casualty, who was in considerable pain, and safely lifted him out on a stretcher.

"His dog was very loyal and stayed with him throughout, so we're grateful that our Service's dog handler, Graham Currie, attended to take the dog to a vet."

The man, who has sustained broken ribs and a shoulder injury, was rescued at 3.15pm and left in the care of the Ambulance Service.