A CYCLIST has publicly thanked the rescue team that saved his life following a crash on Otley Chevin.

Adam Harrison broke bones in his back, neck, chest and shoulder - including his collarbone - after coming off his bike on Friday, January 27.

The 21 year old, from Horsforth, had been descending the Chevin with a friend when he crashed - and can remember little of what happened next.

He was given first aid and stretchered off the hillside to a waiting ambulance, which had been called at 1.45pm, by a 17 strong group from Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team (CVSRT).

Speaking from his hospital bed at Leeds General Infirmary, Adam told the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer how lucky he felt to still be alive.

He said: "I'd have died without the search and rescue team's help it's as simple as that, 100 per cent, because I was on a steep hill where the ambulance couldn't reach me.

"I can't remember anything much about coming off at all but I think it was somewhere near the White House and I remember hearing someone telling me they were going to get help.

"It was also freezing, about minus 3, so the cold would have got me but the team brought me some kind of 'heat tent'.

"I can't thank them enough and some people from my family will be doing a sponsored skydive for them to say thanks.

"I might volunteer for them when I get better because they do incredible work."

Despite the extent of his injuries Adam was told on Tuesday that he had recovered sufficiently to go home, albeit "armed with painkillers and my neck in a brace".

He had earlier thanked the rescue team by sending them a message on Twitter, complete with a photograph of himself in hospital, that said: "I'd be dead without you. Cannot thank you enough!"

They have responded by wishing him a speedy recovery.

The crew had travelled straight to Otley from their Mytholmroyd base as soon as their assistance was requested on Friday.

Their report says: "Members were available to respond immediately and made their way directly to the casualty site, or in team vehicles.

"Once on-scene, team members packaged the injured rider in a vacuum mattress and transferred him to the ambulance nearby."

Local residents, meanwhile, have been keen to express their appreciation online.

Robin Dearden, posting on Facebook, said: "I live on the Chevin and am always amazed that these guys trek over from Hebden Bridge to attend incidents on the Chevin and around here with a fair regularity.

"Well done to CVSRT. Keep it up. Thank you."

Kevin Whitaker added: "Great work by fantastic volunteers", while Hannah Lupton congratulated the rescuers for doing "an amazing job".