A CARPENTER had to be rescued by firefighters after he slipped through planks while working on a building site.

The 19-year-old was on top of a 30ft high scaffolding tower when the accident happened in Chattenden Lane, Hoo, near Rochester, at the weekend.

Paramedics were called to the scene first but, after assessing the situation, requested the assistance of Thameside and Hoo fire and rescue service to help lower the teenager to the ground.

Firefighters secured him to a spinal board then used harnesses and winches to lower him and secure him to a wooden pallet attached to a telescopic fork lift which was already on site.

He was taken to Gillingham's Medway Maritime Hospital with a suspected broken leg.