A WORKMAN was lucky to escape with his life when he plunged more than 30ft off scaffolding.

The 55-year-old man, who is not being named, slipped as he was carrying out painting and renovation work on a luxury home off Horrobin Lane, Chapeltown. He suffered multiple injuries.

Ambulance paramedics believe he fell off the top of the large tower scaffold as he attempted to paint roofing on the detached house.

The man, who has not been identified, is understood to have fallen onto hard, marble flooring outside the front porch of the property at The Copse, Chapeltown.

He suffered suspected fractures to his head and spine as well as breaking his wrist.

An ambulance spokesman said: "It was a long fall and he suffered possible fractures and was complaining of severe back pain."

The casualty was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital were he was detained.