A ROOKIE member of a mountain rescue team was thrown in at the deep end after a climber fell 20ft in a Belmont quarry.

Giles Denn, 19, of Reservior Street, Darwen, joined Bolton Mountain Rescue Team just three months ago.

But his initial training proved invaluable when climber Andrew Harrison, from Leyland, fell as he led a climb in a quarry behind the Wilton Arms in Scout Road.

Giles, who was climbing with friends when the accident happened, said: "I didn't actually see the fall myself but I heard a thud."

He rushed to the bottom of the quarry to make sure the climber's injuries were not critical.

And after making him as comfortable as possible he climbed to the top of the quarry to alert the ambulance and the Mountain Rescue Team.

"The training I've had so far definitely helped," said Giles, who works at Outdoor Action, King Street, Blackburn.

"They teach you to stay calm and assess the casualties' injuries.

"It also helped that I knew the procedure and knew who to phone. It was definitely a case of being thrown in at the deep end even though I have been climbing since being child."

The injured climber, who had suspected pelvic injuries, was lifted to the mouth of the quarry in a scoop stretcher and taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Bolton Mountain Rescue team leader Garry Rhodes said: "Considering Giles is a relative newcomer we were all very impressed with the way he handled the situation and alerted the emergency services."

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