Firefighters battled for 50 minutes to free an elderly man impaled on railings at a recreation ground.

Mick George, 69, screamed in agony as a metal spike went through his left leg below the knee.

Horrified onlookers dialled 999 after Mr George slipped and fell while helping to demolish a 60-year-old pavilion at Northiam Bowling Club, Farthings Field.

Firefighters from Broad Oak and Rye used cutting equipment to free the victim, who was given a painkilling injection by Dr Ben Chisick .

Mr George was then airlifted by the Sussex police helicopter to the Conquest Hospital at Hastings with a piece of the railing still in his leg.

Hastings fire station officer Peter Higgins said Mr George was conscious throughout the ordeal, which began at 2pm yesterday.

Mr Higgins said firefighters had to work very carefully so vibrations from the cutting gear didn't cause Mr George more pain.

He added: "It was a very delicate operation. We didn't want to cause too much vibration.

"We cut the railing either side and he was taken to hospital with part of the railing still in his leg. Ambulancemen gave him medication throughout."

Fred Newman, president of Northiam Bowling Club, today called for the spikes on top of the railings to be removed.

He said: "They are very sharp, and I have always thought they are a dangerous thing to have in a children's recreation area."