The injured man was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. Photo: Mick Garratt CC-BY-SA-2.0

An injured walker was rescued after two horse riders heard his cries for help as darkness fell.

The man was walking on his own in the Court Green area near Guisborough, North Yorkshire, when he tumbled down a steep embankment.

The man, who suffered suspected spinal and pelvic injuries in the fall, tried unsuccessfully to raise the alarm with passers-by, until the woman and girl on horseback heard his calls.

Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team was called out about 6pm today and members went to the scene off Wilton Lane, where the man had been lying for some time.

Team spokesman Graeme White said: “The team quickly responded from its base near Great Ayton with its two Land Rover ambulances.

“Once on scene the team worked alongside a paramedic from the North East Ambulance Service hazardous area response team based in Newcastle to help stabilise the casualty.”

The walker was treated for suspected pelvic and spinal injuries and taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough in a team Land Rover.

Mr White said: “As the night was closing in the gentleman was lucky that he managed to get the attention of the two passing horse riders.

“The injured male had told us that he tried to get the attention of some people walking past but was unable to.

“Thanks to the quick thinking of the two females help was summoned and the causality was recovered with the assistance of the North East Ambulance Service Hart team and Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team and transported to hospital for further treatment.

“We wish the casualty a speedy recovery.”

The rescue was the team’s seventh of the year.