THREE thrill-seeking boys were trapped over three metres in the air for almost an hour when a funfair ride jammed.

Firefighters from across Reading attended the Caversham funfair where they were unable to free them from the seats when the safety braces could not be opened.

The boys' mothers choked back tears as rescue was delayed while funfair staff climbed up behind the display in a vain attempt to open the restraints.

The drama began at about 4pm on Sunday, April 21 at a funfair at Hill’s Meadow, Caversham, when the arms of the Ramba Zamba ride stuck solid almost at the top.

After arriving, three firefighters took several minutes to stabilise the side of the ride and the platform before attempting to free the boys. 

They gingerly manoeuvred the platform closer millimetre by millimetre so as not to crush the boys’ feet.

Eventually, the first boy, aged 8, was forced to squeeze down under the restraints onto the platform.

Following the first rescue, the two other boys squeezed through the restraints and the platform was returned down to the standing point. 

The boys, all smiling in relief, returned to their anxious mothers where they were welcomed with hugs and tears.

After their rescue, staff were seen handing the boys a 'wad of free passes' and quickly whisked them away.