A couple who were getting "amorous" in the countryside suffered serious injuries after falling 12ft over a wall and down an embankment.

The couple, both in their 30s, were up against a stone wall near Hawes, North Yorkshire, before the woman leaned over it and fell backwards down a steep embankment.

She suffered pelvic injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

The man, who tried to grab her, also fell and suffered abdominal and leg injuries. He was flown to hospital by ambulance.

Mountain Rescue, the Great North Air Ambulance and the North East Ambulance Service were called to rescue the pair.

Fire crews from Hawes were also called to help with the rescue and had to use a triple extension to reach the couple. They were at the scene for more than an hour.

A North Yorkshire Fire spokesman said: "The couple in their 30s were getting a little bit amorous against a stonewall when unfortunately the lady leant backwards and fell over the wall and down the steep embankment.

"As the fell the male attempted to get hold of her but the momentum pulled him over the wall.

"It was a very strange accident."

The accident happened on Brunt Acres Road, close to the industrial estate, which is popular with walkers and tourists.

Fire crews were called to attend to assist paramedics just after 12.15pm yesterday (Saturday, January 12) and left the scene at 1.30pm.

A North Yorkshire police spokesman said that police were notified of the accident but weren't called to the scene.