Rider airlifted to hospital after Aberavon beach fall

A 14-year-old girl was airlifted to hospital after falling from her horse while riding on Aberavon beach, near Port Talbot, on Saturday.

The girl, who had been riding with a group of 11 friends, was given oxygen by a RNLI lifeguard and fitted with a surgical collar.

The teenager was treated after reporting hip pains and memory loss.

She was placed on a spinal board stretcher before being flown to Morriston Hospital, in Swansea.

The girl, who is from Port Talbot, was first helped by Aberavon Surf Lifesaving Club volunteer member Anthony Derrick, who was patrolling the area on a quad bike.

Coastguard officers were also out on the beach and arrived at the scene to assist.

The RAF Sea King helicopter was called in because of fears the rider had injured her back.

RNLI lifeguard Rob Steel said: '"It was really important in providing the speedy assistance to this young girl that all the agencies involved worked well together.

"It was very important for the reassurance of the young girl and her riding colleagues, at a time of distress for them, that RNLI lifeguards, surf lifesaving club members, Coastguard and RAF co-operated together so speedily and effectively to help her."