AN 86-year-old Wellington man who fell from a ladder in town has astounded doctors with the speed of his recovery.

Les Winter, a former garage owner who traded in Mantle Street, was trying to cut back a tree in Cornhill when he crashed to the ground on August Bank Holiday Monday.

Mr Winter was treated at the scene by the emergency services, for his injuries, which included a fractured skull and ten broken ribs. An air ambulance was also called.

He was eventually taken to Musgrove Park Hospital by land ambulance with injuries considered life-threatening at the time because of his age.

Doctors say he must have been a very fit 86-year-old to survive such injuries.

A relieved daughter Kim Thorne, who works part-time at the Wellington Newsagents in Fore Street, said yesterday: “Dad had other injuries including a broken shoulder blade and damage to his spleen. He also had blood clots.

“He was in a very bad way. He should never have been up the ladder at his age.

“One thing for sure is that he won’t be going up that ladder again. We’ve taken it away from him.

“Dad always wants to do things – that’s what keeps him so active. Those first couple of days were very worrying. But we never thought he would not pull through.

“He’s already been allowed out of bed and is looking very well.”

Kim and family would like to thank everyone for their best wishes. “We’re aiming to have him home for his 87th birthday on September 20,” she added.