A MAN in his 60s has escaped with minor head injuries after falling 25 ft off Symonds Yat Rock.

The climber fell down a cliff face at the Herefordshire beauty spot shortly before 5.30pm yesterday.

Ambulance crews were helped in the three hour rescue operation by members of the Coleford Mountain Rescue Team.

"Injuries to the casualty were relatively minor," said an ambulance service spokesman.

"The biggest problem was getting him down to a waiting ambulance. With the assistance of the Mountain Rescue team, we were able to bring the casualty through dense woodland and down a 45 degree slope to safety."

The casualty was later taken to Hereford County Hospital for further treatment.