A farm worker has been recovering in hospital after a lucky escape when he became trapped under his tractor.

Emergency crews had to battle for an hour to release the man who became trapped while trying to free tree roots from the tractor's mechanism.

It is believed he slipped on the muddy ground and became ensnared in the vehicle's underside - but luckily escaped without serious injury following the rescue operation.

The fire service rescue tender from Leigh was also called to help as the 46-year-old diabetic lay helpless under the farm machine in Brays Lane, Canewdon.

Although the man was left with leg and pelvic injuries, he was later making a good recovery in Southend Hospital.

A fire service spokesman said: "Crews from Rochford and Leigh attended the scene after we had calls to say the man had become trapped under the tractor in Brays Lane.

"We don't believe he was seriously hurt, though it was clearly very uncomfortable for him.

"He seemed to be pinned under the tractor and there was a lot of movement and noise from us we tried to get him out. It was quite a delicate operation."

The man, who has not been named, was given emergency treatment at the scene by paramedics.

An Essex Ambulance spokesman said: "The man was conscious throughout the rescue.

"He told us that he was diabetic, so we informed the doctors as a precaution before he was taken to Southend hospital, though his injuries were not life threatening in any way."

He was said to be in a comfortable condition when he arrived at casualty.

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