A MAN was taken to hospital with serious injuries after his hand became impaled on a section of metal fencing.

The man, aged 63, had reached out his hand to support himself after slipping down some steps in his garden.

Fire crews helped to cut the man free after the incident yesterday afternoon.

An ambulance and rapid response vehicle from the North West Ambulance Service also attended.

Steve Wilcock, watch manager at Bury Fire Station, said: "We were called at about 3.15pm to reports of a man with his hand impaled on a fence.

"The man was in good spirits. He was sedated.

"The ambulance crew also attended. The man had to be taken to hospital with a small section of fence still in his hand.

"Together we supported him as we took him to have the fence surgically removed at hospital."

Crews remained in attendance for about one hour.

The fire service urged residents to take care when walking on wooden decking following rain or poor weather conditions.