A HELICOPTER was used to rescue a man from Worcester Cathedral tower this morning.

Emergency services were initially called to the incident at around 9.30am.

A 53-year-old man, who was involved with a historical re-enactment group, fell ill during filming. 

The Worcester News understands the man has diabetes, and the illness was connected to his condition. 

Paramedics first arrived by ambulance, and went to the top of the tower to treat the man and stabilise him. 

Fire engines from Worcester, Droitwich and Malvern then attended but knowing the Cathedral layout, firefighters quickly established that due to the tower's height of 170 feet, and the narrow internal staircase, the most effective rescue would be through the use of a helicopter. 

A search and rescue helicopter from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, based in St Athan near Cardiff, was called to the scene. 

On arrival the pilot skilfully manoeuvred around hazards including turrets, flagpoles and strong winds, to reach the small area around the tower. 

A member of the helicopter crew then abseiled down to the patient and after a few minutes, he was successfully winched onto the helicopter.

The helicopter landed in an nearby field, where an ambulance was waiting. The man was transferred, and taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital. 

Station Commander Phil Berry, of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Whilst there are significant challenges to this type of rescue we work closely with the Cathedral and have pre-prepared plans in place for rescues from all levels of the Tower. 

"As such we were quickly able to initiate the most effective rescue for the casualty who I am pleased to report has responded well to treatment from ambulance personnel and will make a full recovery. 

"All agencies involved should take an enormous amount of credit, not only for their effective working and professionalism on the day but also for their meticulous pre-planning and regular exercising at this site." 

Hereford and Worcester Group Commander Grant Wills later tweeted: "Great team effort with @HWFire @WestMerciaOCC @HWFireControl @UKSAR_StAthan @OFFICIALWMAS working together."

Les West, Worcester Cathedral's steward, told the Worcester News that he could not remember anyone having to be rescued from the top of the Tower before.

"It was a scary incident," he said.

"We have procedures in place for this, the emergency services are familar with the Cathedral and are able to execute a rescue speedily."

He added that it was the second time the emergency services had executed a rescue plan at the Cathedral, following the incident earlier this year in which a bell ringer was trapped in the ropes and hoisted into the air.

In that incident the experienced ringer was lowered down through several trapdoors, using a rope system, to the floor of the Cathedral.

• Video by Andrew Hackman.