A man hoping to make a daring marriage proposal by illegally scaling 90ft up a cliff face had to be airlifted to safety after getting stuck.

Michael Banks, of Fresno in California, climbed the ocean-facing Morro Rock ON Thursday - hoping to make a video call to his girlfriend while up there and pop the question.

But he soon realised he was in trouble, and emergency services were called after a passer-by heard his cries for help.

The Morro Bay Fire crew posted pictures and video of the rescue to social media, warning of the dangers of climbing at the beauty spot.

"It is illegal to climb Morro Rock because it kills people," Morro Bay Fire Chief Steve Knuckles told NBC News.

"I have been on at least four calls where people have died on the rock."

Banks reportedly told rescuers that his girlfriend had said yes, but was not happy with him for attempting the stunt.

As well as paying for a wedding, he will also be slapped with the cost of the emergency rescue mission, the fire service said.