Bell-ringer saved after becoming entangled in ropes at St Nicholas's Church in Bathampton

A bell-ringer had to be rescued by fire crews after she became entangled in ropes at a church.

The woman, in her late 50s, was left suspended 20ft (6m) in the air at a belfry at St Nicholas's Church, Bathampton, near Bath, Somerset.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service said the woman was "thrown around the belfry for a bit before landing awkwardly".

Fire crews lifted up part of the bell-ringing gallery floor at the bell tower on Mill Lane and the woman was lowered to safety.

She was taken to hospital with a suspected pelvic injury following the accident last night, which happened as the weekly bell-ringing group met at the church.

A fire service spokesman said: "The local woman had been thrown around the belfry before landing awkwardly.

"Fire crews were alerted by the ambulance service, who had administered morphine and made her comfortable while awaiting rescue.

"Special rope rescue lines and equipment, including a stretcher, were used.

"A section of the bell-ringing gallery floor was lifted up and the woman was then safely lowered about 20ft to the ground, where she was taken into the care of ambulance staff who took her to hospital with a suspected pelvic injury."

PA