A teenage mountain biker was taken by ambulance to Frenchay Hospital on Monday afternoon after a fall in Chase Woods.

The 14-year-old boy suffered a potentially life threatening head injury after the accident in a popular area for mountain bikers to work on their manoeuvres.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Chase Woods, off Penyard Lane, at 5.15pm on Monday afternoon.

A rapid response vehicle, two ambulances, a BASICS Emergency Doctor and an Incident Support Officer were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "On arrival the paramedic on the response vehicle found a 14 year old lad who had crashed while going over a home made jump. Information from other riders at the scene suggested he had fallen around 20 feet. Unfortunately, he was not wearing a cycle helmet.

"The teenager had a very serious head injury. The doctor treated him at the scene so that the ambulance staff could get him out of the woods. He was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board. Due to the damp and muddy conditions, ambulance staff worked with firefighters to carry the youngster to a waiting ambulance.

"The doctor requested that he be taken to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol because of the nature of the injury; he was taken on blue lights with the doctor travelling with the crew."

Ross firecrews provided lights and support during the incident.

West Midlands Ambulance Service have issued reminders to cyclists about the importance of using cycle helmets.