An elderly man who had collapsed in woodland was saved after he was discovered by volunteer dog handlers on a training session.

The 69-year-old had been participating in a run on a course set up by an orienteering club on Sunday when he got into trouble on the difficult terrain.

Fortunately, members of Kent Search and Rescue (KSAR), who are trained medics, were carrying out training exercise for their dog section in the area, at Toys Hill just outside Westerham.

After finding the man, who was unresponsive and unconscious close to one of the check points, he was treated at the scene before being stretchered to a waiting ambulance.

He was taken to hospital, and it is hoped he will make a full recovery.

A spokesperson for KSAR said: "The gentleman concerned was very lucky we had a search and rescue team training in the area.

"He was very ill and needed urgent medical care. Fortunately all our dog handlers and their support teams are trained to provide emergency care in inhospitable conditions.

"The weather was dreadful on Sunday with heavy rain and cold temperatures which makes hypothermia a severe risk”.

KSAR’s search dogs are used to trace people who are missing or injured, and take two years to train.

Four of the five dog handlers who helped the stricken runner were subsequently called out to a successful missing person search later that night with Kent Police.