THIS footage shows the moment a helicopter rescue team winched a man to safety from the cathedral.

Emergency services received reports that a historical reenactor had fallen ill on the rooftop of Worcester Cathedral tower at about 9.30am on Saturday, July 1.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency helicopter took just 36 minutes to reach the scene, after being dispatched from St Athan, near Cardiff, at 10.55am.  

The rescue crew winched the 53-year-old patient into their helicopter at 11.43am and dropped him off in the playing fields opposite the cathedral.

The man was then taken to hospital in a land ambulance by West Midlands Ambulance Service at around 11.58am.

Coastguard helicopter winchman Sam Wellsteed said: “This was a very unique rescue, but fairly straight forward once we arrived on scene.

“Obviously the tall spires presented a hazard to the helicopter but our main concern was making sure the cathedral wasn’t affected by the downdraft of the helicopter – which can sometimes be very strong.

“Thankfully, we were able to get to the casualty very quickly and winch him on board in a matter of minutes.”

Mr Wellsteed paid tribute to Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service for ensuring that the patient was ready to be winched by the crew.

The helicopter crew comprised of a pilot, a co-pilot, a winchman and a winch operator. 

It is thought the historical reenactor was filming when he fell ill as a result of his diabetes.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service called the rescue helicopter to the scene after assessing the situation. 

A fire service rescue team previously lowered a bell ringer to safety after he hurt himself in a 'freak accident' in the tower, in February.

But the fire service decided to request a helicopter on Saturday due to the patient being on top of the tower, instead of slightly lower down in the bell ringing section.