Red-faced barman Dave Wallace was sinking pints instead of pulling them last night after firemen had to free his hand from a pool table.

Dave's plans to work the night at the White Horse, London Road, Headington, Oxford, went to pot when his hand became trapped for half an hour from the wrist up as he tried to dislodge a ball.

The 26-year-old, who lives in London Road, was given the night off and spent it on the other side of the bar among the regulars who teased him for getting stuck.

He told the Oxford Mail: "I feel such a prat. While I was putting my hand up to get the ball it came rolling down my arm and came out but my hand was stuck."

Other staff called the pool table company to send out a representative and, while they waited for him to arrive, they also called the fire service.

Mr Wallace said: "My thumb and forefinger were going numb. When the man came with the key, they took the top off and had to unscrew the table inside.

"I've got it strapped up now and I'm having a few drinks to numb the pain.

"I won't be doing that again in a hurry, not if I can help it. All the regulars are having a laugh about it."

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