A 999 operator has quit her job after she refused to send paramedics to a crash scene because it was half a mile out of their area.

Avon ambulance service has apologised to Nigel Carter, from Midsomer Norton, Somerset, after he complained about an operator who he claimed said: "What do you expect me to do about it?"

Mr Carter dialled 999 after his 24-year-old daughter, Hayley Green, was involved in a head-on crash near Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Somerset, last Tuesday, just outside Avon ambulance service's area.

Firefighters arrived first at the scene and called an ambulance, which arrived 45 minutes later.

An ambulance service report said: "During the call comments were made by the dispatcher which were wholly inappropriate. The staff member concerned has expressed regret and resigned."