A MAN stranded on the rock face at a Malvern quarry had to be plucked to safety by a line rescue team.

Four others were with the man when he plunged over the edge of North Malvern Quarry yesterday evening.

Alec Mackie, fire brigade spokesman, said the man was forced to cling to a ledge for more than two hours to stop himself slipping further down the 600ft drop.

The victim, who was not thought to be seriously hurt, was treated by paramedics at the scene but refused to be taken to hospital.

He has not been named.

"He and four young men in their 20s had been running down the hill near the quarry," Mr Mackie said.

"But while the other four managed to stop, this one couldn't and went over the top.

"He stopped on a ledge but couldn't move up or down. He was there for quite some time."