VIDEO - ORPINGTON: Artist falls 70ft from Torquay cliffs while on holiday (From News Shopper)

VIDEO - ORPINGTON: Artist falls 70ft from Torquay cliffs while on holiday

12:11pm Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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AN ARTIST is “lucky to be alive” after falling 70ft from cliffs while on holiday in Torquay.

The 53-year-old man from Orpington, who has not been named, was said to be looking for a place to paint before he slipped and fell yesterday morning.

The Torbay RNLI crew and coastguards found the man lying among rocks in the vicinity of Meadfoot Beach, where he was airlifted to Torbay Hospital by helicopter.

He is believed to be in a stable condition after suffering a broken arm, a suspected broken leg and head injuries.

Coastguards spokesman Pip Hall said: “He had identified somewhere to paint but unfortunately tried to get down the cliff and slipped and rolled in the process.

“When I saw the doctor he said the man was very lucky to be alive.”

The man had used his mobile phone to call his wife and emergency services after his fall at around 9.30am.

His wife was in their hotel at the time but rushed out to see the rescue operation.

Mr Hall said: “They have several incidents there, it’s one of those areas you think you can climb down but once you start slipping there’s no stopping.”

David Ham, RNLI Lifeboat operations manager at Torbay, said: “This was a demanding job for the inshore lifeboat crew in difficult conditions at the foot of a cliff.

“They very ably and quickly assessed the situation and made a sound judgement to call in the helicopter thus avoiding putting the casualty at any further risk and speeding his journey to hospital.

“There was an easterly swell running at the time that would have made a transfer to the lifeboat risky.

“We wish the man well and hope he makes a full recovery.”

Do you know the man? Call the newsroom on 01689 885711.