A mine explorer who got himself in a little too deep ended up having to be rescued by emergency services this week.

A group of three explorers had been investigating a mine near Mount Hawke when one became stuck down a shaft at Wheal Ellen.

They initially put a call in to Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service on Thursday evening, with Critical Control then subsequently getting in touch with West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team, just after 6pm.

By coincidence the team was already training not far away, so all members were put on standby.

However, in the event firefighters were able to help the man to safety without the need for rescue team's support.

A spokesperson for West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team said: "On Thursday, at just after 6pm, we had a call from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service requesting that we attend an incident at Wheal Ellen, near Mount Hawke.

"There was a report of a male stuck down a shaft – a member of a group of three mine explorers.

"As our team training was in the local area, our team leader attended the scene to find out what was needed from us, and our full team were put on standby to attend.

"Thankfully, within 20 minutes the fire and rescue team were able to extract him."