AN elderly woman had to be rescued from a lift at a Worcester nursing home in what firefighters have called one of the most complicated operations of its kind.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called to Teme Court Residential Care Home, Old Road, Lower Wick, after an elderly woman in a wheelchair was stuck in a lift with her carer just after 6am yesterday.

Fire service spokesman Alec Mackie said: "Along went the boys from blue watch who attempted to use the mechanics to lower the lift, as is normal practice when we get people trapped in lifts.

"We weren't able to do this for some reason."

Mr Mackie said firefighters started to get concerned for the welfare of the elderly woman so they decided to cut the roof of the lift open.

"The carer was able to climb out," he said. "We put two of our boys inside the lift with the old lady and her wheelchair and either side of the chair the two firefighters lifted her up to two other firefighters who lifted her out and lowered her to the ground.

"All was well at the end of the day but it was the most complicated rescue we have undertaken in these circumstances.

"It took about an hour to do all of this and it just shows how we are able to use our initiative and muscle in what was becoming quite a stressful situation."