Burley boy is rescued from a prickly situation (From Wharfedale Observer)

Burley boy is rescued from a prickly situation

10:00am Friday 19th October 2007 in Local news By Andrea Hardaker

Daredevil Joe Linaker was rescued by four firemen after getting stuck half way up an eight feet tree.

The four-year-old's anxious mum dialled 999 after she and four other bystanders failed to free him.

Joe found himself stuck fast - four feet above the ground - after his knee became lodged between the branches of the prickly holly tree.

He had been climbing at a recreational site near to his home in Burley-in-Wharfedale when the incident happened.

As he reached up to climb on to a higher branch, he used his knee for support and got it stuck between a split tree trunk.

He shouted to his mum, Clair, who was watching a junior football match just a few yards away.

She darted over to rescue him, but was unable to set him free. Four men, also at the game, tried to help, but were unable to free little Joe.

Clair said: "I knew the minute I tried to free him that there was no way he was coming down without help.

"His knee was firmly wedged among the branches. He was very calm about it all, although it must have been uncomfortable, and luckily he was only about four feet up the tree.

"I didn't want to hurt him by twisting or turning him too much and when no-one else could help we called the fire brigade."

A team of four firefighters turned up to rescue Joe at around 11.30am on Saturday.

Station Officer Alex Watson used special spreaders (like giant pliers) to gently move the branches of the tree.

Clair, 38, of St Michael's Way, Burley, who filmed the rescue mission said: "The firefighters were wonderful. They spoke to Joe the whole time and helped to keep him calm.

"They didn't even harm the tree when they prised it apart and it was all over and done with very quickly.

"When he got down, Joe had a drink and a biscuit and ran off to play as if nothing had happened.

"He was a bit red where his knee had got stuck and had a few scrapes, but he didn't seem put off by it.

"Now Alex Watson, the fireman who rescued him, is his hero. He talks about him all the time and I'm sure we have a little firefighter in the making."

This is the second time Joe has had to be rescued by Mr Watson.

A year ago he sparked a panic after putting his head through the wrought iron railings of his garden gate.

His mum said: "He's a daredevil. He'd asked if he could climb over the gate and I said no. I turned my back to fasten my daughter into a child seat in the car and when I looked back he had his head stuck.

"Mr Watson recognised him straight away when he saw him stuck up the tree and it all helped to keep the rescue mission light-hearted.

"I just hope Joe doesn't get up to any more mischief."