Folkestone handyman Pete Phillips is recovering in hospital today after plunging 20ft through the town hall roof.

He was lucky to only suffer a broken arm and fractured skull and is today in a stable condition in hospital in London.

Paramedics treated Mr Phillips at the scene for a severe arm injury and was airlifted to King's College Hospital, in London, where he had also had surgery for a broken skull.

He was working on the town hall at 4.30pm and emergency services were called at 4.40pm yesterday.

It is understood he slipped from a ledge and fell through part of the building, crushing his arm.

Teams from the ambulance service - including the hazardous area response team (HART) - and air ambulance treated Mr Phillips after they were called to the area behind the town hall in Guildhall Street where he was working.

Mr Phillips, originally from Newcastle, is a popular figure in the town and is often seen doing jobs and keeping the town tidy since the "sprucer" scheme was launched by the Bradstone Association resident's group last year.

A spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance (Secamb) service said: "A man suffered a fall through a roof described at 20ft.

"He's OK and had surgery overnight and he's got a fractured skull and broken arm. He's on the mend but it's going to be slow..." friend David Taylor

"We sent an ambulance and car and they were first to arrive at the scene.

"Among other injuries was a serious injury to his arm and was treated at the scene."

The air ambulance landed in Radnor Park and Secamb teams transferred him to the helicopter.

Friend David Taylor said: "He's OK and had surgery overnight and he's got a fractured skull and broken arm.

"He's on the mend but it's going to be slow. He was doing some work at the back of the town hall.

"He's sitting up and talking. He's got three boys at home and is one of the most popular guys in town.

"He's so enthusiastic and wants to get on with the job and he's paid the price."