A MOTORCYCLIST was airlifted to hospital after suffering leg injuries while riding an off-road bike at the weekend.

David Swinhoe, 51, was hurt at a motocross track in Stanley, County Durham, on Saturday.

The motorbike hit a rut and his leg became trapped between the bike and an embankment.

The father-of-four, from Seaton Delaval, sustained leg injuries.

Mr Swinhoe’s 17-year-old son, Robert, helped stretcher him to the waiting air ambulance.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) flew the man to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle. The North East Ambulance Service were also on scene.

GNAAS paramedic, Stuart Thompson said: “He was given strong pain relief at the scene and his leg was splinted before being flown to hospital.”

Mr Swinhoe's wife, Barbara, said: “David underwent surgery last night and got pins in his ankle after it was badly broken. He is now on crutches and we hope he will be out of hospital later today. We think he will make a good recovery.”

Speaking about her son, she said: “Robert was so calm, he has a real good head on his shoulders, I was so proud of him.”

The HGV driver has been motorbiking since he was 12-years-old. “He was given the nickname ‘Deadly Dave’ when he was younger because he’s always been known as a bit of a daredevil,” said Mrs Swinhoe.

She added: "Thank you so much. The air ambulance is just marvelous”.