A SPECIALIST rescue team was called in when two Buriton boys fell into a disused chalk pit in South Lane.
The two boys were riding their BMX bicycles along a cycle path that runs near the pit when they collided and fell into the chalk workings.
Another youngster called for the emergency services but paramedics decided the boys were too far down for them to rescue safely and asked for assistance from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.
A Technical Line Rescue Team with specialist climbing equipment was sent to the scene. But officers found they were able to reach the boys without the extra equipment.
One boy had suspected back injuries and was carried out on a stretcher.
The second had injuries to his neck but after examination the doctor considered the boy was fit enough to be guided out of the chalk pit on foot.
The Fire and Rescue Services were called at 6-15 pm and it was not until nearly 7-30 pm that both boys had been rescued from the pit.
They were taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital at Cosham where they were found only to be suffering from bumps and bruises.
ÒIt was a rescue and that is what the fire and rescue service are there to do,Ó said Mike Gates from Hampshire Fire and Rescue.
ÒThe main message is that if people are out and about anywhere like this they need to be aware these areas are not always fenced off. They may look safer than they really are.Ó
He added that ideally people should inform someone before they walk in areas such as this and let them know what time they are expected back.