A factory accident left a worker impaled on a 7ft spike yesterday morning.

Karl Wallace, 42, was left with a meat hook embedded in his back after an accident at Malton Bacon Factory, North Yorkshire.

Firefighters were called to work alongside paramedics to cut part of the spike away, so that Mr Wallace could be taken to a waiting ambulance and York District Hospital.

Emergency workers used a saw to cut the spike, although about 18 inches of metal was left in Mr Wallace's back, near his shoulder blade.

Mr Wallace, of Wold Street, Malton, was conscious throughout the rescue operation.

Fire and rescue divisional officer Tony Dyer, said: "Our primary concern was to ensure the man's injuries were not worsened.

"We had to stabilise the spike to ensure our cutting operations did not cause excessive vibration and affect his spine. Fortunately, it had not penetrated any of his major organs and had only gone approximately four or five inches into muscle tissue.

"Doctors were able to remove the spike using only local anaesthetic, in the accident and emergency department."

Mr Wallace, a processing operative, was allowed home after treatment.

A report on the incident is to be compiled for the Health and Safety Executive.