STAFF at a Greenmount carpet factory got a soaking when a stacker truck driver accidentally triggered the building's sprinkler system.

Firefighters responded to the automatic fire alarm at Cormar Carpets at Brookhouse Mill, Greenmount, near Bury, yesterday afternoon.

But when they arrived, all they found was a group of wet employees and damp carpet.

The drama happened when a stacker truck driver accidentally bumped into pipe-work on the new £51,000 sprinkler system. Luckily, hundreds of rolls of carpets escaped with minimal damage as water poured down from the warehouse ceiling.

Understanding factory boss Mr Graham Parry said: "It was a pure accident. The lad is a bit red-faced this morning, he's taking a bit of ribbing from his pals. I feel quite sorry for him - they've nicknamed him Splash!

"It happened before about three years ago and we called that lad Splish!

"We've a real comprehensive sprinkler system and it brings with it its own problems. At least we know it works."

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