The Coastguard was called to Toby’s Point between Ayrmer Cove and Challaborough on the coast path to assist a woman who had fallen on Saturday afternoon.

David Salt was walking along the path with his dog Faith when he found the woman lying by the bench at Toby’s Point. She had injured herself, apparently slipping on the bench.

Her friends could not get a signal on their phone, so David telephoned the emergency services for them at about 5.15pm.

As a result the HM Coastguard Helicopter was called and flew from Newquay against a headwind, landing in the field very close to Toby’s Point.

Meanwhile the local Coastguard team also arrived. The woman was in some pain, so the team spent time stabilising her condition so she could be carried to the helicopter.

David and Lesley Stonier from Paignton were walking with friends when Lesley somehow slipped off the bench. The helicopter took her and her husband to Derriford Hospital for treatment at around 7.15 pm.

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “We received a 999 call at 5.20pm with reports of a woman having fallen over between Challaborough at Ayrmer Cove.

“The Bigbury Coastguard Rescue Team, the Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopter and the South West Ambulance Service all attended the scene.

“We decided that the best extraction for the casualty was by helicopter, as the location was inaccessible by vehicle. She was winched onboard the helicopter and airlifted to Derriford Hospital.

“We hope she makes a swift recovery.”

“The person who made the 999 call did the right thing by calling the Coastguard. If you’re in danger on the coast, whether on land or sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard,” the spokesperson added.