A Norwich climber has spoken of his rescue drama after he fell 10 metres while climbing in the Peak District.

Manuel Schar was the lead climber on a route at The Roaches, a popular climb near Leek, when he lost his grip, fell and hit the cliff wall on his way down.

Rescuers feared he had sustained a serious back injury and he had to be airlifted to hospital - but the 24-year-old PhD student managed to escape with minor injuries and was back on his feet the next day.

Now, he wants to thank the rescue team who quickly came to his aid.

Mr Schar, who lives in Earlham Road and is studying at the University of East Anglia, said: 'I was really lucky. It was a challenging route and you had to do a tricky move. I slipped off, my cam came loose and I fell all the way, hitting the wall behind me on the way down.

'It all happened so quickly. It was a shock and I felt a lot of pain in my back; I was unable to move. If I wasn't wearing a helmet, it could've been really bad. I don't want to think about it.'

The accident happened on Sunday, May 6, when Mr Schar was with nine friends for a weekend of climbing.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics and members of the Buxton Mountain Rescue Team carried him to the waiting Midlands Air Ambulance. He was flown to the University Hospital North Staffs.

Mr Schar, who is originally from Switzerland, said: 'I'm really thankful for all their help. The rescue team got there so quickly and did a great job.'

Neil Carruthers, rescue team leader, said: 'He was wearing a helmet which undoubtedly saved him from further head injuries.

'Unbelievably he turned up whilst we were fundraising in Buxton on bank holiday Monday to thank the team personally.

'Thankfully his injuries were not as serious as first thought.'

To donate to the Buxton Mountain Rescue Team, go to www.buxtonmountainrescue.org.uk.

Have you got a story for the Evening News? Call Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.