FELL rescue volunteers had to cope with curious cows earlier today (Tuesday) after being called out in to help a young man who had fallen and injured himself in dense woodland in South Craven.

The Grassington based Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA) responded after receiving a call for assistance at 5.10am from the ambulance service to attend to a man who had fallen in the middle of dense woodland in Silsden.

An UWFRA spokesperson said the man had a suspected fracture of his lower leg and was unable to get himself free.

“Once the casualty was located, the team performed casualty care by administering pain relief and splinting the limb.

“The carry out was tricky, the team had to negotiate very thick undergrowth, steep bankings, lots of mud and some very inquisitive cows. As the ambulance could not get near to the casualty, and once he had been carried out as far as open fields, it was decided to utilise a team members 4x4 to collect him.”

The spokesperson added: “Once in the vehicle it was then a quick drive to the awaiting ambulance.

We wish the young man a very speedy recovery.”