A man has been taken to hospital following an autogyro crash near Cromer.

Eastern Daily Press: Chris Gurney, owner of Northrepps Aerodrome. Picture: ALLY McGILVRAYChris Gurney, owner of Northrepps Aerodrome. Picture: ALLY McGILVRAY (Image: ALLY McGILVRAY)

The victim, believed to be a retired airline pilot in his late 60s, was attempting to take off at Northrepps aerodrome when his aircraft flipped over on the runway.

Emergency services arrived at the scene after the alarm was raised on Wednesday morning around 10.45am.

Ambulance staff were joined by firefighters from North Walsham, Cromer, Sheringham, Sprowston, Carrow and Fakenham.

The casualty suffered supected neck and shoulder injuries and was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for treatment.

Eastern Daily Press: Northrepps Aerodrome. Picture: ALLY McGILVRAYNorthrepps Aerodrome. Picture: ALLY McGILVRAY (Image: ALLY McGILVRAY)

A buckled propellor hampered efforts to remove the red autogyro from the airfield.

The man's injuries are not thought to be life threatening, according to a spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service Trust.

Speaking at the scene, Chris Gurney, who owns the airfield, said: 'The chap went to take off and I think a gust of wind got him and it just flipped sideways, the blade caught the ground and the thing just rolled on its side.

'We called the services as a normal precaution but the chap's fine - just hurt his pride and his back pocket.'

Eastern Daily Press: A buckled propellor hampered efforts to remove the red autogyro from the airfield. Picture: DAVE HUBBA ROBERTSA buckled propellor hampered efforts to remove the red autogyro from the airfield. Picture: DAVE HUBBA ROBERTS (Image: DAVE HUBBA ROBERTS)