A pilot and his passenger had a lucky escape after their glider plummeted to the ground and landed on its roof.

The pair suffered minor injuries after crashing into a field and becoming trapped upside down until firefighters released them.

They were forced to make an emergency landing at 3.45pm yesterday when the aircraft began losing height over the Parham estate near Pulborough.

They came down in a nearby field and the glider flipped on to its roof on touch down, trapping the two men inside the cabin.

The Sussex Police helicopter and a fire crew were called to the scene.

Firefighters freed the men, who were taken to Worthing Hospital for a check-up.

The men were both from the South Downs Gliding Club at Pulborough and had taken the glider for a pleasure flight over Parham Park and Gardens.

Officers from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch are investigating.