PRE-BIRTHDAY celebrations turned into a pyjama drama for Alison Readman who celebrated her 30th with a special party despite tumbling eight feet into a fast flowing river just hours before.

Alison, of Cop Royd Terrace, Cliviger, had to be rescued by firefighters from the River Calder after walking to the Water Mill beauty spot off Burnley Road to reminisce with cousin and schooldays pal Andrea Mycock.

The two had been enjoying some wine on the eve of Alison's 30th celebrations and had only slipped on trainers with their pyjamas to make the journey at about midnight on Friday.

Alison, who is now nursing a bruised lower back, today said she was lucky to be alive after the ordeal.

She said: "We were relaxing in the living room in our pyjamas and got talking about old times and the spot where we used to play as children. After a couple of glasses of wine talk turned to action but when I stepped out to cross a bridge as we had done 20 years ago. I fell off the edge and into the river."

Alison, who works as a receptionist at the Oaks Hotel in Colne Road, Reedley, said: "It had changed since we had last been up and there was an eight foot drop. I crashed about and slammed in the water.

"I was shaken but something inside me said 'You are alright Alison, stay calm and get yourself out'.

"I wear glasses and they fell off so I couldn't see anything."

Meanwhile Andrea had heard the splash and started shouting for help. A woman on Burnley Road rang for the emergency services.

Alison said: "I just kept on apologising to the ambulance staff and firemen for wasting their time. They just laughed. But it was embarrassing with being in my pyjamas!"

Stuart Wiseman, leading fire officer of Nelson fire station, said: "When we got there she had managed to get herself out of the river. She was given first aid at the scene."

After medical check-ups Alison was well enought to attend a party at the Oaks Hotel -- and even managed a boogie on the dancefloor.

She said: "It was the adrenaline. Everybody was saying how lucky I was.

"It is hurting now and I am black and blue and able to show off my bruises. I am now being looked after by my sister Hazel."

She added: "I am lucky to be here. It is enough of a drop to have caused me serious injury. It has made me realise just how important life is.

"I won't forget my 30th. It is a story to tell in the future."