A YOUNG rugby player was airlifted to Maidstone Hospital on Sunday after suffering a suspected neck injury while trying to make a tackle in a match at Chatham.

The nine-year-old boy, from Hastings in East Sussex, was taking part in a tournament against a Medway team at Lordswood Rugby Club in North Dane Way, Lordswood.

A spokesman for the club said the boy had sustained his injury while making a tackle as he landed on his shoulder.

The spokesman added: "The young lad said that he had neck pain so we called for an ambulance straight away."

The boy's father had been watching him from the sidelines and was able to accompany him to hospital.

The air ambulance took four minutes to get the youngster to Maidstone Hospital's accident and emergency department.

A spokesman for Kent Ambulance Trust said: "The boy was airlifted as a precaution. We strapped him on to a long-board and he had to wear a neck brace and as he was still on a muddy wet field we felt it would be a safer option to airlift him rather than risk slipping with him in the mud. The boy said he felt a crack in his neck when he landed awkwardly on his shoulder."

The rugby club spokesman added: "We wish the boy a speedy recovery and hope he is back playing rugby as soon as possible."