A father and his six-year-old son came to the rescue of a mountain biker who had punctured his lung at Fowlmead Country Park in Sholden, on Sunday.

The casualty, a man in his late 40s, had been using the facilities at the park, off the A258 between Deal and Sandwich, when he had an accident close to 11am.

In considerable pain, he had made it back to his car but as he sat down, he punctured a lung and beeped on his horn in a cry for help.

Mark Burton, 35, of Deal, had taken his eldest son Owen to Fowlmead to enjoy a few hours of cycling.

Mr Burton said: “Whilst I was preparing my bike in the car park, I became aware of a person in a distressed state at the far end of the car park.

“On investigation, it became immediately apparent that he was in severe pain and discomfort, within his car, but not showing any obvious external injuries.

“I summoned one of the rangers over and he turned up promptly on his bike. We attempted to keep him comfortable and reassured him until the paramedics swiftly arrived and then took over the care.

He added: “Owen was pivotal in helping at first and then when the ambulance arrive unhindered.”

The Down’s Primary School pupil asked for the ranger’s pass to allow the obstructed ambulance through the barrier, minimising any delays.

The casualty, who has not been named, was later flown to Kings College Hospital in London in 62 minutes, suffering with thorax and abdomen injuries.

Mr Burton added: “We sincerely hope the casualty is in less pain now and on the road to recovery.”

Fowlmead admin assistant Margaret Smith said: “We believe he fell off his bike and went back to his car.

“He had injured his ribs and when he sat down in his car, he punctured his lung.

“He couldn’t do anything so tooted on his horn which alerted passers by, who ran over to help him.”

Park rangers Kieron Driver and Mark Roberts also assisted the man until emergency services arrived.