A BOY had to be rescued by the Lancashire Air Ambulance after becoming trapped in a weir while swimming in the River Ribble.

The 12-year-old and his friends had been swimming close to the weir, off Quarry Road, near the Tickled Trout Hotel, Preston.

He was swept away by the force of the water into the weir, where his leg became trapped.

The boy's friends caught the attention of Daniel Campbell, who was fishing further down the riverbank.

He used his mobile telephone to alert the emergency services.

The Air Ambulance arrived at the scene and rescue workers 45 minutes to free the boy.

A spokesman said: "He was extremely lucky. We were already airborne when we got the call.

"We had to use straps from our spinal boards to make a line to reach him."

He was taken to Preston Royal Hospital suffering shock, exhaustion and minor cuts.