A STARLING trapped in a chimney was rescued by firefighters following a delicate half-hour operation.

Firefighters had to dismantle the fireplace at the home in Duke Street, Oswaldtwistle, to make enough room for the bird to escape.

Watch manager Gary Ibbitson said: "The lady had rung us up because she could hear tweeting.

"When we released the starling we missed grabbing it and it was fluttering around the room.

"The lady managed to grab it when it was on the window sill and she released it at the front door."