TEENAGERS have been warned not to clamber on play equipment aimed at younger children after a girl got wedged in a park tunnel.

The 15-year-old became trapped in the enclosed section of a climbing frame in the under 12s play area on Rhyddings Park, Oswaldtwistle.

She had been lying on her back and as she tried to twist round her lower leg became jarred across the diameter of the tunnel.

Friends raised the alarm at 2.10pm on Tuesday and a fire engine from Blackburn attended.

The fire crew first tried to manoeuvre the teenager back in the direction she had come from but she was firmly stuck.

They then tried to gently stretch the metal tunnel to give them more leverage, but to no avail.

After 30 minutes of trying to free the girl they eventually had to cut into the tunnel using specialist equipment more commonly utilised in road traffic accidents.

First aid was administered to the girl at the scene and she was later taken to hospital suffering from a minor foot injury.

The tunnel section of the climbing frame was rendered unusable after the fire service had been forced to cut the teenager loose.

It will cost Hyndburn Council almost £800 to replace.

Last month the Lancashire Telegraph reported how teenagers using small children's play equipment had also been a problem in Baxenden, where police officers had abuse hurled at them by youngsters who they were trying to move on.

The incident in Oswaldtwistle has highlighted the dangers of playing on equipment designed for smaller and less heavy children.

Coun Lynn Wilson, the council's cabinet member for parks and open spaces, said: "The play equipment in question is designed to be used by children under 12 only, and this is written on prominent notices around the area.

"The equipment is out of action now as a result of this incident until we carry out repair work."

Coun Wilson added: "I would appeal to people not to use play equipment which is designed for younger children as it can be dangerous and spoils the equipment for smaller children who want to enjoy it."