JAKE the dog got more than he bargained for when a gust of wind blew open a garden gate -- jamming his head between the bars!

The five-month-old terrier-spaniel yelped in fright but was unable to free himself forcing his owner to call out firefighters.

The crew rescued the animal by bending the bars of the gate at Wilby Avenue in Little Lever.

The dog, who belongs to Christine Considine, was was not injured during the 30-minute ordeal.

Firefighters John Duffin and Ian Fletcher managed to bend the bars and lifted the dog to safety.

Leading fireman Ian Brown from the Farnworth station said: "The dog was quite distressed because his head had got stuck and the animal was in shock, but the owner was relieved he was OK and so were we."

Christine said: "Jake was mooching around the garden and was peering his head through the gates. Next a gust of wind took the gate, causing Jake's head to become trapped.

"I heard him yelping a little bit after hearing a big bang. He was in a state.

"I tried to push him different ways and even the next door neighbour had a go. But we had to call the fire brigade and I'm so grateful to them.

"But he's no worse for wear although he did run straight upstairs to the bedroom and ran under the bed!" SAFE AND WELL: Jake after his ordeal Ref: J2216/34a