A FREAK gardening accident left a Walkden man impaled through the groin on a rake.

The 36-year-old man was cutting his hedge when he fell off a stepladder and onto the handle of the rake.

Paramedics transported the man via air ambulance to Wythenshawe Hospital.

Firefighters from Farnworth, Bolton Central and Leigh attended the house in Ashton Field Drive, Walkden, just after 4pm.

They shortened the rake so the man could be taken to hospital.

He was given gas and air at the house before being taken away in the helicopter.

Farnworth watch manager John Duffin said: "The man managed to impale himself through his groin on the handle of a garden rake.

"Paramedics were already there when we arrived, and they asked for us to shorten the handle before taking the man to hospital."