A man trapped 30ft underground in the Avon Gorge has been rescued by firefighters.

The caver, thought to be in his 30s, was brought out safely yesterday evening with only minor cuts and bruises and did not need hospital treatment. The man became trapped in the cave below the Portway at about 5pm after his rope snapped, leaving him with no way of climbing back up.Two members of White Watch at Temple Back fire station lowered themselves down to find the man who had fallen.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service Spokeswoman Stephanie Mounsey said: "They walked along a tunnel before coming to another chamber where the man was. Firefighters lowered a harness down to the man and then set up a pulley system, winching the man to safety."