A SAFETY gate proved to be a hazard for a toddler who ended up with his leg trapped in it.

John Longstaff, three, was trying to copy his big sister Loareen by vaulting over the device, which was being used to keep out the family puppy.

His leg slipped and became wedged between the bars.

John's hysterical sobbing set 12-week-old Dusty off barking and his mother, Veronica, who had been washing pots in the kitchen, called the fire brigade.

Mrs Longstaff, 32, of Killinghall Grove, Hartburn, Stockton, said: "He was absolutely devastated when I couldn't get his leg out.

"I was more shocked than anything. I wouldn't have thought this could happen with something that's meant for children's safety."

Mrs Longstaff initially rang her mother for advice, who suggested she called the fire brigade.

She said: "They were really good because the puppy was going ballistic and both kids were crying.

"They just marched straight in and one got the puppy, one got the bars and pulled them wide open, and another one pulled John out."

Stockton Station Officer Jim Bradley said: "We carry out a number of different special services, where we rescue people from peculiar circumstances.

"It's always traumatic for the people involved."