Dymock'S John Lewis freed himself from a crashed helicopter and ran to his home to get help for wife Penny, still trapped and badly injured in the wreckage.

The incident happened around 5pm on Sunday, after the couple were about to land at their Ockington Farm home, after a flight from Wiltshire.

Two fire engines from Ledbury and one from Newent arrived promptly, to find a five-metre tail section on the badly damaged roof and the rest of the aircraft at the side of the house, with flames coming from the engine cowling.

Sub-officer Keith Wildig, of Ledbury Fire Station, said: "The helicopter was on its side and it was a harrowing sight."

Foam was used to put out the fire and cutting gear released Mrs Lewis, 62, who suffered potentially life-threatening injuries to her chest, abdomen and pelvis.

She was taken by air ambulance to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham. Mr Lewis, 63, was taken by road to Cheltenham General Hospital.

On Wednesday, their son Simon, who travelled up immediately from London, said both were doing well.

However, he could not say what had caused the crash.

Simon said: "This has been a horrible shock for us. My parents fly frequently, perhaps once every ten days.

"They've been flying for five to six years. I can't say whether this will put them off."

The family paid tribute to the emergency services, who arrived on the scene very quickly. They are also thanking well-wishers for cards and expressions of concern.

Air accident investigators are examining the cause of the crash but a report is not expected for six months.