A paddler has died after he became trapped on a weir on a Yorkshire river.

The 37-year-old man was rescued by a specialist team from the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, but died in Calderdale Royal Hospital, Halifax.

The man, from the Leeds area, got into difficulties while canoeing on the River Calder at Luddendenfoot. He was in a party of four. A fire service spokesman said that when they arrived at the scene, one paddler was trapped on the weir and another was floating down the river. A member of the public who had leapt into the river to try to help had to be rescued.

Two other canoeists managed to get out of the water without help. The three other men currently in hospital are expected to make a full recovery.

More than 30 firefighters from across the county took part in the rescue, which involved the use of a special water sled. They were called to the scene at 11.45am yesterday.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and the incident appeared to be a tragic accident. A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said the victim would not be named until tomorrow.