FIREMEN played a key part in the release of a prisoner at Bolton Crown Court.

On his way to stand trial a male prisoner damaged his handcuffs, leaving security guards accompanying him unable to turn the key to unlock them.

So a crew from Bolton fire station was called in to the cells and, armed with bolt cutters, gave the young man his freedom before he appeared in the dock.

"We were surrounded by prison wardens in the cell but he stood still and behaved himself," said a fire service spokesman.