THE Cumnock man who plunged 60ft down a gully says he is lucky to be alive.

John Shearer is now expected to make a full recovery at home after being rescued in an operation in which his two sons played a vital role.

Mr Shearer, an NHS employee who works at Ayr Hospital, is not a tree worker as was previously reported but met with his accident in unusual circumstances.

He said: ā€œIā€™m lucky to be alive, I know it was my fault but I wish to thank all those who were involved in helping. I was larking around with two of my sons on a tree swing.ā€

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