A COMPLEX rescue operation was launched after a boy fell 50ft from an improvised rope swing into a ravine.

The 12-year-old had fallen into a steep-sided valley on the east side of Whitby, off Stainsacre Lane, on Friday evening and suffered a number of injuries during his fall.

Emergency services were alerted to the scene at about 9.15pm on Friday.

Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue worked with ambulance crews, fire crews from Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay and police.

Rescuers scaled the side of the ravine to reach the child and placed him on a stretcher, to allow him to be winched to the top of the valley with a rope system.

He was then assessed further at the top of the ravine and carried over fields to a waiting ambulance and taken to hospital.

The rescue team posted on Facebook: “Working with the ambulance service, crews from Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and North Yorkshire Police the child was assessed, transferred to a stretcher and recovered to the top of the valley with a rope system.

“After further assessment on scene he was carried over a couple of fields to a waiting ambulance for transport to definitive medical care.

“True joint service working.”

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said short extension ladders, lines, lighting and manpower were used in the operation.