A HELICOPTER flew to the rescue of Under-12 footballer Lee Walker when he was injured last weekend.

The Silsden Juniors player was injured during their game against Menston juniors on sunday morning.

"He went down very awkwardly and there was real concern that he may have suffered a spinal injury.

"We had a trained nurse at the side of the pitch and she quickly called the ambulance, but they took a long time to reeach us," said manager Paul.Smith.

The ambulance service was called several times and eventually the helicpoter appeared overhead.

The West Yorkshire police helicopter airlifted medics to the scene and they provided an initial treatment.

"A road ambulance arrived almost at the same time, so Lee was denied his ride in the helicopter," Mr smith said.

Doctors discovered the injury was a badly dislocated shoulder and the player was discharged from hospital the same day.

"It certainly provided plenty of excitement - I don't even David Beckham would have got that sort of treatment," Mr Smith said.

After almost an hour's delay the game restarted and Silsden lost 4-2.