A PENSIONER was rescued by firefighters after becoming locked in his bathroom for 12 hours.

Fire crews were called to Kirkby Road in Heaton just after 9pm on Saturday after neighbours heard shouts.

Watch Manager Ian Read said: "The handle of the bathroom must have been defective and he had been locked in the bathroom for 12 hours.

"He had been shouting for help.

"He was quite shook-up when we got to him."

The 91-year-old was checked over by paramedics and police were also on the scene.