THE late night sighting of a "body" floating in the waters of Doffcocker Lodge sparked off a major emergency call-out.

The police helicopter was drafted in as police, ambulance paramedics and firefighters stood by, ready to spring into action.

Crowds gathered hearing the commotion, and a fire crew from Crompton Way was despatched in the force's boat to carry out the rescue.

But it was only when the firefighters reached the "body" in the water that they realised the numerous emergency crews had turned out to rescue . . . a log!

The call came from a passer-by at midnight.

A fire spokesman said: "The police could not tell from the banks of the water whether the shape was a person or not.

"They called for us to bring the rescue boat and paramedics were also called to the scene.

"The police helicopter was sent up and the noise of it attracted quite a crowd.

"Although from the helicopter it did not look like the shadowy shape was a person, we did not know for sure so went out in the boat.

"It was only then that we realised it was a big, old log.

"The whole operation to save a log must have cost a fortune . . . but we could not take any chances."

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