FIREMEN were called to free two pensioners who became trapped in a toilet cubicle.

The women, aged 82 and 81, and residents at the St Catherine's nursing home in Queen Street, Horwich, had wandered into the cubicle not knowing that the handle had been removed from the inside and staff were using the area as a storeroom. When the pensioners, who are best friends and go everywhere together, realised they were trapped they shouted for help.

While a care assistant climbed into the cubicle to keep the women company, staff tried to force open the door. After half an hour they gave up and called the fire service. Firefighters used an industrial screwdriver to open the door.

Sub-officer David Fraser-Jones said: "They were a little bit distressed and when we finally opened the door they were surprised to see the firemen."

But they were given a nice cup of tea and they were fine."