A MAN has survived a 200ft fall down a cliff in North Yorklshire after trying to rescue his dog.

The 53-year-old man, from Rochdale, and his dog fell down the face of Little Cliff, just north of Cloughton, near Scarborohg, at just after 4pm today.

The man, who is believed to be on holiday in the area, was located in an awkward position at the bottom of the cliff.

After a difficult operation, he was picked up by a helicopter from RAF Leconfield and airlifted to Scarborough General Hospital for treatment, where he is recovering.

His injuries were not life-threatening and he escaped with a broken femur and a broken wrist. The man’s dog also survived the fall.

Inspector Bruce Prendergast, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “It is absolutely remarkable that this man has survived a 200ft fall down the cliff face and escaped with injuries that are serious but not life-threatening.

“It is testament to the hard work and bravery of the coastguard and helicopter crew, who managed to extract the man from the bottom of the cliff in difficult circumstances, that he and his dog survived.”

Police do not believe that there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.