A MOUNTAIN rescue team was called to airlift a seriously injured farmer to hospital after he was 'knocked down' by a cow.

​Shortly before 2pm on Saturday the England and Wales Mountain Rescue Team was made aware of a seriously injured man in the hills south of Machynlleth.

A spokesman for the Aberdyfi based mountain rescue team said: "The man, a 69 year-old farmer, had fallen down a bank from a hill track at Rhiw Gam, and had sustained suspected pelvic and spinal injuries.

"Early reports suggested that he had been knocked over by a cow. Given the nature of the injuries, assistance was requested from the coastguard helicopter, Rescue 936.

"The winchman-paramedic was dropped at the scene, and together with team volunteers, set about stabilising the casualty and getting him onto a stretcher while R936 landed further down the valley.

"The man was carried a short distance to a position suitable for winching him aboard the helicopter and then transport to Bronglais hospital, Aberystwyth for further assessment and treatment.

"Everyone was safely off the hill by 4.30pm."