FIREFIGHTERS had to rescue two boys from a tree after they got stuck searching for conkers.

Joseph Birley, aged 10, and his pal Brendan Gingell, aged seven, borrowed a ladder and climbed up a tree on a land next to Downham Avenue, off Ainsworth Lane.

But as they were searching for conkers, a prankster moved the ladder, so the schoolboys were stuck up the tree, about 12ft off the ground.

The pair, both pupils at Bolton Parish Primary School, were too high up to jump down safely and a member of the public who heard their cries for help called the fire service.

Firefighters were able to get Joseph, of nearby Staton Avenue, and Brendan down safely at about 1pm on Tuesday.

Leading Fireman Mike Nolan, from Bolton north fire station, said: "We told them they were too early for conkers."

He also issued a warning to any other children who feel tempted to scale great heights in their search for conkers.

"I would just like to say to youngsters do not climb beyond the height that you can get down."

Joseph's mum, Cheryl, said: "It looks like someone moved the ladder either as a joke or without realising there were two lads up in the tree.

"I don't think anyone meant them any real harm and I'm relieved they're both down safely.

"Joseph didn't tell me at first. I think he was too upset -- or maybe he was embarrassed that he had to be rescued."

"He loves getting conkers every year as soon as they are ready so he's got some for when they all go back to school. Hopefully in future he won't go climbing so high."