Lord Mayor of Belfast has accidentally injured a council worker leaving her with back injuries after he tried to leapfrog her.

Council worker Lorraine Mallon, who was dressed as a tomato to launch a gourmet garden event in Botanic Gardens, suffered a slipped disc when Mayor Jim Rodgers' knee accidentally hit her head while attempting to vault her, according to BBC.

Rodgers said the attempted the act of athleticism was requested by photographers adding he devastated over what has happened.

"There had been three false runs and I think Lorraine thought this was just another one. I just caught the top of her head and unfortunately I injured her," Rodgers said although he stressed he was confident he could have made the vault.

"I'm very fit and look after myself, but it was just one of those unfortunate things," he said. "I have kept in regular contact with her and my thoughts and prayers are with her. I just hope now that she makes a speedy and full recovery."

Rodgers had personally apologized to Mallon.

Mallon, who is assigned at the arts section of Belfast City Council's development department, has been unable to return to work since the accident happened on September 4.