An injured mountain biker was rescued yesterday after an incident in the Scottish borders.
Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team assisted Police Scotland on Saturday after a mountain biker was badly hurt in Innerleithen.
Emergency services attended around 12pm and evacuated the biker from the trail.
Rescuers said his life was saved by his helmet that was smashed to pieces in the accident.
They were taken to hospital via ambulance and the extent of their injuries are not yet known.
It was the 18th callout of the year for the Tweed rescue team as they issued a warning reminding bikers to always wear a helmet.
It is likely this saved the riders life and the situation could have been far worse.
Pictures show a red helmet worn by the rescued biker smashed after the incident as the safety equipment absorbed the massive impact.
The helmet is broken into pieces and has scratches across the surface.
In a statement Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue said: "The team were called out today by Police Scotland at midday to assist with the evacuation of an injured mountain biker in Innerleithen.
"We wish the injured party a speedy recovery and the pictures demonstrate the importance of wearing a helmet!"
The team is based in the Scottish Borders but covers the police divisional areas in Edinburgh and the Lothians as well, to the West of the A68 trunk road.
Currently £150 has been raised to aid volunteers in their efforts and donations can be made on the Facebook page.
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