A CLIMBER from Droitwich had a lucky escape after falling 50 feet down one of Scotlands most formidable mountains.

Darren Carmell was taking part in the three peaks challenge on Saturday when he fell while descending Ben Nevis.

Mr Carmell, of Impney Way, Droitwich, was with five others taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge raising money for charity, when he lost his footing and slipped.

"It was a bit of a freak accident, but I'm fine now" said Mr Carmell.

"There was so many people coming up the path when we were coming down as we had started out pretty early.

"I moved to one side because of it but it was wet. I fell, and according to my friends who were with me, they said I hit my head and then fell 50ft (15 metres) down the cliff side."

The 40-year-old became wedged between two boulders which stopped his fall, preventing him from falling another 20ft (six metres) and potentially saving his life.

"I am really lucky that nothing was broken," he said. "I had concussion and some stitches in my knee, I'm a bit battered and bruised, but I am now fine."

A doctor who was walking past went to Mr Carmell's aid and stayed with him for one-and-a-half hours until a member of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team attended.

Because he had concussion and they thought he had a neck injury, a rescue helicopter was called and he was airlifted to Fort William.

After a day in hospital he discharged himself and flew back home.

"It was just a freak fall," he said. "There are many people who have fallen and some have died. I'm a bit shook up but I'm very lucky."

Mr Carmell praised the actions of the doctor and his friends for taking care of him, along with the hospital staff.

The endurance challenge involves climbing the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales in 24 hours.

The team - which is raising money for the cancer department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham - now hopes to complete the challenge by climbing Scafell Pike and Snowdon in August.

Mr Carmell is going to see a specialist for his knee and hopes to be able to join the team.