FIREFIGHTERS performed a rescue this morning after a pensioner fell down an embankment.

Crews from Ramsbottom and Whitefield were called to Newcombe Road, in Summerseat, at 10.57am to rescue the man, who is in his 80s.

They were joined by a major response unit and technical response unit from Leigh who helped to rescue the man using ropes.

The man was taken to Fairfield General Hospital with minor injuries, but is now understood to be back at home and resting.

Crews worked at the scene for about an hour.

One of the man's neighbours said: "There used to be a wire fencing up to stop this happening which had come down.

"He (the man) was trying to put it back up but unfortunately fell. He's home now and resting."