Youngsters get stuck in quarry

Two boys have been taken to hospital after getting stuck in mud at a quarry in Cannock.

Firefighters and paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service were called to Shoal Hill quarry off the B5102, shortly before 3.30pm yesterday.

It is believed the boys were stuck in mud and unable to free themselves for about an hour before being freed.

They became trapped after a mudslide from the quarry spoil heap.

Firefighters from Cannock improvised a platform to reach the boys and successfully dug them out.

Mark Williams, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service urged people walking near the quarry to take care due to the soft ground.

He said: "Once you become trapped in the mud it is impossible to extricate yourself without assistance."

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "The crew arrived to find one of the two boys already out of the mud, a second boy was still waist deep in it.

"Ropes and ladders were used to get the emergency services to the second boy and get him out.

"The boys, aged 11 and 12 were not injured, just cold and wet. Both were taken to the Minor Injuries Unit at Cannock Chase Hospital."