A MAN was taken to hospital with a head injury after a hang glider crashed at West Bay.

West Bay Coastguard was called to East Beach shortly after 2pm on Saturday (23) to reports a hang glider had crashed near East Cliff.

A man in his 40s was taken to Dorset County Hospital by ambulance.

A West Bay Coastguard spokesperson, said: “On arrival, the Coastguard officers assisted the paramedics in treating the casualty who appeared to have facial injuries, but nothing immediately life-threatening.

“It was reported that the hang glider had taken off from Burton Bradstock, lost lift and rapidly descended around 50ft, hitting the beach near the base of the East Cliff.

“The Coastguard officers helped package and transport the casualty to the waiting ambulance and also helped dismantle the hang glider.”

South Western Ambulance Service were called to the incident at 1.50pm. The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance also responded, but was not needed.

An ambulance spokeswoman said: “A hang glider had crashed and a man in his 40s suffered a head injury.

“The patient was breathing and conscious. He was taken to Dorset County Hospital by land ambulance. The helicopter was called, but it was decided that it was not required.”