A RED-FACED council worker had to be rescued by firefighters after getting stuck 30ft in the air while working on a street light.

Geoff Knott was carrying out maintenance work for Blackburn with Darwen Council in a crane, known as a "cherry picker" when it became stuck while fully extended.

The incident happened at 1pm yesterday in Whitebirk Road, Whitebirk, Blackburn, much to the amusement of his three colleagues.

Fire crews had to use an aerial ladder platform and spent 15 minutes getting Mr Knott safely back down to earth on the busy dual carriageway.

Sub officer John Leach said the machine had just stuck.

"It had a fault and jammed up on full extension. It malfunctioned and his colleagues couldn't get him down," he said.

"I think he had been there a little while before they decided to call us.

"They tried all sorts because he was too embarrassed.

"There were three of his colleagues on the ground quite amused.

"I think they were giving him some ribbing.

"He was a bit embarrassed but not too distressed.

"It's a busy road, and that was our main concern, with the traffic coming over the brow of the hill."

One lane was closed off during the rescue operation.