A man who was found in a critical state after a fall in a Lancashire quarry is improving in hospital – and can’t remember how he ended up at the bottom of a 25m (82ft) drop.

Christopher Walsh, 43, was rescued by Bolton Mountain Rescue Team and airlifted by air ambulance to Royal Blackburn Hospital after his cries for help were heard by passers-by.

He had head, chest and pelvic injuries and also suffered damage to his left arm and leg. Mr Walsh also had abdominal injuries and was placed on the critical list. He is now sitting up in bed in the North Manchester General Hospital after being transferred there yesterday.

He faces an operation on his damaged pelvis but is described by colleagues at the University of Liverpool Management School as ‘upbeat’.

Anglezarke Quarry, near Rivington, Chorley, is a popular climbing venue.