A man crushed by a tractor has paid tribute to the Kent Air Ambulance for his recovery.

Retired farmer Michael Lutener, of Sheephurst Lane, Marden, was run over by the back wheel of his tractor on his farm.

His pelvis was broken in two places. A land ambulance was also sent to treat him, but air ambulance medics gave him painkillers and also placed a special belt around his lower body to hold it together.

Mr Lutener, 69, vice-chairman of Marden Parish Council, said: “The tractor went over the top of me and I knew I had hurt myself.

“I had a phone in my pocket and I rang my wife, Jean, to say I had had an accident and she had better bring some blankets.

“The next thing I knew there was a pilot in a helicopter looking down on me from 100ft.”

He was taken to Kings College Hospital, London, before transferring to St George’s Hospital, London, then Maidstone Hospital.

Mr Lutener, who is still in a wheelchair, added: “The surgeon at St George’s asked who had put the belt around me. When I said it was the air ambulance crew, he said 'Well done them', as it had held my pelvis together.”

He added: “I might not be alive without it. I hope to make a full recovery.”

Mr and Mrs Lutener called at the air ambulance’s Marden base to say thank you.

Jill Playle, director of communications for Kent Air Ambulance, said: “It is always so lovely to hear back from the people we have carried and hear there has been a positive outcome.”