Members of the Cave Rescue Organisation freed the man from the pothole

Rescuers used a hammer and chisel to free a caver trapped underground in the Yorkshire Dales.

The 44-year-old and his caving companion tried for an hour and a half to get the man out of the final climb in Newby Moss Pot on the southern slopes of Ingleborough on Friday.

The Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation was called out about 6.35pm to go his aid after his friend left him underground and raised the alarm.

CRO members used plugs and feathers – quarrymen’s wedges – to enlarge the underground constriction and free the trapped caver.

The rescue team said the man was no worse for his experience after he was finally helped to the surface.