A man has been taken to hospital after falling into a river.

Firefighters were called to Moses Gate Country Park, in Farnworth, at about 7.30pm to reports of two males in the River Croal.

It is believed that a 20-year-old man had fallen into the river after a rope swing he was using had snapped.

Upon arrival, fire crews found one of the men was out of the water while another was on the embankment suffering from spinal and elbow injuries.

A boat crew and a technical response unit were called to assist in rescuing the man from the embankment.

He was then put on a stretcher and carried to safety.

An ambulance then took him to Salford Royal Hospital, although it is believed that his injuries are only minor.

The other man was not hurt in the incident.

Watch manager at Farnworth Fire Station, Carl Haslam, said: "The injuries do not look too serious. He has probably just bruised his back and elbow badly.

"He was talking and conscious, and I saw him get up on his feet at one point so I dont think it was too serious.

"A rope swing above looked to have snapped. It looks like it has snapped while he was over the river and he fell in and managed to scramble to the embankment.

"We would like to highlight the dangers of using rope swings and ask people to stay safe around rivers."