COMPANY director Colin Campbell had a lucky escape today after his light plane developed engine trouble shortly after taking off from Rochester Airport.

Mr Campbell, 57, managed to land the 26-year-old Piper Arrow safely in a field off Common Road, Blue Bell Hill at about 10.30am.

Despite the fact that he was unable to get the undercarriage down for the landing, Mr Campbell, who works for a City investment company, walked away unhurt.

He said: "I was a bit worried that I might hit the trees, but it was more like a heavy landing than a crash."

The craft had flown over Buckmore Park, then over the M2 at Chatham before coming down. Police and Kent Fire and Rescue from the Medway station were called to the scene.

Mr Campbell, from Chiswick, west London, is married and has two sons.