BABY Kane Wakerley sparked a major operation when he got into a jam while playing with his baby walker.

Kane, who will be one in March, got his thumb stuck in a hole connecting the seat of the baby walker at his home in Daffodil Walk, Farnworth.

Mum Dawn, aged 20, tried to help but could not get his finger loose so she phoned her mum, also called Dawn, who dashed home from work to lend a hand.

But after having no success they were forced to dial 999 for an ambulance as Kane's hand began to swell up and finally firefighters from Farnworth had to cut him free.

Gran Dawn, aged 43, who works as a welfare assistant at Harper Green School, said: "The ambulance workers tried everything -- washing up liquid, water -- but nothing worked. Kane was bawling his eyes out. He is such a lively little boy, he's into everything so it's typical of him really for something like this to happen.

"In the end they had to get the fire brigade to cut him out. It was a real saga but everyone was really helpful."

Firefighters Ian Fletcher and Phil Dierden from Farnworth fire station cut Kane free using a hacksaw and pliers.

Leading fireman Ian Brown said: "It was unusual but it was the only way to get him out of the walker and he was quite upset.

"It was a case of co-operation between the fire and ambulance service and the family to help the little boy."

Kane was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital but an x-ray of his hand found no permanent damage and he was released later that day.

Mum Dawn said: "We are really relieved that he is fine, his hand is just a bit swollen. I would like to thank everyone who helped."