A PREGNANT woman had to be winched through a bedroom window by crane after ambulancemen discovered they couldn't carry her on a stretcher down a spiral staircase.

They were told the mum-to-be, who was due to give birth within the month, was in pain as her unborn baby had shifted position.

But, when they arrived at her home in Lostock View, Lostock Hall, they realised the only way she could be lifted out in comfort was through her window.

David Taylor, of Lancashire Ambulance Service said "We were in contact with her GP and the hospital for advice. After trying variuous things we decided to call the fire brigade." Three crews from Penwortham fire station arrived at the scene after receiving a call on Monday evening.

Leading Fire Fighter Andrew Wilkinson said they used a turntable as a crane and the stretcher was placed inside.

He said: "The window was removed and the woman, who was sedated, was lifted down the side of the building and taken to hospital."

He stressed that the woman and her unborn child were in no danger throughout the incident.

She was admitted to Sharoe Green maternity ward. Staff there refused to comment on her condition.

One neighbour who witnessed the event said: "The husband even put the window back in before he shot off to the hospital."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.