Rush of unusual calls for crews

A hacksaw was used to remove a nut from a child's finger

A city's firefighters have dealt with a spate of out-of-the-ordinary call-outs over the past few days.

Inverness crews have gone to the aid of a woman trapped in a lift and a man with a hand caught in a bike's cogs.

They also used a hacksaw to remove a nut from a bolt that was stuck on a child's finger and helped a disabled man with a couch stuck in a stairway.

Billy Wilson, of Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service, said it was unusual to have so many within days.

The head of operations said the incidents were serious for those involved.

'Brute strength'

He said: "In the last couple of days there have been incidents that have been unusual.

"The bottom line is people recognise the fire service is there to serve the community and we will assist if we can.

"If we are unable to assist then we will help people get the assistance they need."

Mr Wilson added: "The crews carry a range of equipment, from the hacksaw used to take off the nut to brute strength in moving the gentleman's couch."