A GROUP of youngsters survived a 30ft drop down an embankment when their saloon car veered off the M5.

A 17-year-old was air-lifted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital after complaining of back pain following the crash near the Strensham services at Junction 8.

Paramedics said the teenager had suffered extensive bruising in the drop at about 7.15am on Saturday.

The three other occupants of the car also received treatment but were not thought to be seriously injured.

Fire crews from Worcester and Upton-upon-Severn helped remove the men from the car, which was travelling on the southbound carriageway.

It is not known where the group was travelling from.