A HOSPITAL visit last night turned to a claustrophobic nightmare for three children who became stuck in a lift at Leigh Infirmary.

The primary school age youngsters became trapped when the lift door refused to open as they were on the way down from Ward 11 where they and their father were visiting a relative.

Firemen released the frightened trio, who were none the worse for their ordeal, after arriving with a spare keys.

A fire service spokesman said: "They became stuck because of a problem with the door mechanism."

Fortunately they didn't panic but they were relieved to get out."