A MAN was undergoing micro-surgery yesterday (November 27) as surgeon's battled to reattach a severed finger.

The finger was ripped off in a works accident at the Swintex works in Bury. Mr Steven Cook (33), was rushed to hospital by a colleague while another workmate retrieved the severed finger - and put it in a freezer.

Paramedics collected the severed finger and transported it to Withington Hospital, Manchester, where surgeons hoped ro reattach it the injured man's hand in a delicate operation.

Mr Cook, of Riverside Road, Radcliffe, a blow moulding team leader at the factory, lost the finger in the accident on Wednesday.

As he jumped from a metal cage his wedding ring caught in the framework, slicing off the finger.

He was taken to hospital by colleague Mr Chris Morris as follow worker Mr Paul Tong recovered the finger and put it in the fridge to preserve it.

Swintex spokeswoman Mrs Sharon Gilligan said they hoped the operation was going to be a success and praised the actions of the injured man's colleagues.

Swintex, based in Manchester Road, manufactures road cones and street furniture.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.