A MOUNTAIN biker was airlifted to hospital after breaking his ankle riding across hills.

The Midlands Air Ambulance, which is kept in the skies by public donations, was called to the Malvern Hills to help the stricken rider at about 11.30am on Tuesday.

Reader and avid walker 80-year-old Vic Davis heard about the accident and quickly strode further along the path to the scene taking this picture showing the specially-trained air medics in action.

“They were brilliant,” said the former postman.

“I saw them strapping him into the stretcher and doing their checks before lifting off, and just thought I needed to remind people about the good work they do.

“I give my donation once a month when they come around and it was good to be able to witness them in action.

"A cyclist came down the path as I was walking with my friend and told us that another chap on a bike had come to grief further up the hill.”

Mr Davis had been walking between the Wyche Cutting and British Camp when he heard the rotorblades.

“The funny thing was the lady I was with, it was eight years to the day that she tripped on the Malverns and broke her ankle.

“That time the fire brigade had come out with their eight-wheeler and got her.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We sent an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance.

“Because of the nature of the area, it was quicker and easier for the air crew to get there, land and get away again.

“A man in his 30s was treated for a suspected broken ankle having come off his bike.

“He was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”