A POLICE helicopter and mountain rescue team were called out after a couple decided to embark on a trip to Darwen Tower in the early hours.

Just before the 3.30am the pair, believed to be in their 30s, became lost on their descent from the landmark and alerted the emergency services, after the man fell and hurt his back.

Insp Andy Winter, of Lancashire Police, said: “There was some concern regarding his condition as he had lost some feeling in his lower half.

“But they were able to ring through to us and though the search area was vast and dark, we were able to call upon the police helicopter to provide enought ligh to enable us to locate the pair.”

Volunteers from Bolton Mountain Rescue team were also alerted to the incident and the casualty, aged around 35 and thought to be local, was found within 45 minutes.

Mountain rescue workers were then able to bring the man down from the moorland to paramedics from North West Ambulance Service, waiting below.

Residents across the Darwen area and East Lancashire have reported witnessing the police helicopter circling the area, as part of the search and rescue operation.