A farm has been fined after teenager needed 17 stitches following an horrific crash.

JF & M Bland, of Dacre near Penrith, was ordered to pay more than £10,000 in fines and costs after a 17-year-old farm worker was badly hurt.

The teenager, from Shap, had been contracted to work on the farm in April 2014, and instructed to use the farm's quad bike to get around.

He had no helmet and was given no safety training.

The youth flipped the quad bike, and lay trapped underneath it for an hour until someone found him. He had a serious head wound which needed 17 stitches.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted the farm owners, and North and West Cumbria Magistrates' Court, sitting in Carlisle, heard the company admitting breaching health and safety law.

It was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,693.

The HSE's agriculture safety chief has now issued a plea urging farmers to wear helmets when riding quad bikes.

Rick Brunt said: "Vehicle-related accidents are a significant problem in agriculture and one of the biggest killers.

"Only people who are trained and capable should operate all-terrain vehicles, like quad bikes. Every year, on average, we see two deaths and numerous injuries involving ATVs."

HSE inspector Matthew Tinsley, who investigated and prosecuted the company, said: "This is a reminder to all farmers and farm workers that it just isn’t worth taking unnecessary risk. Training is vital, as is head protection.

"This is simple, common sense advice that, if followed, can save lives."