WIDNES firefighters went beyond the call of duty by relaying an elderly woman's patio to prevent a trip hazard.

A window cleaner on his rounds first contacted the emergency services after noticing the elderly woman on the floor in her kitchen.

Firefighters James Swan and Marty Royal, along with watch manager Andrew Clarke, attended the call to gain entry to the property as the woman was unable to answer the door to North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

Andrew said: "After a quick assessment we used an enforcer to break through the front door of the property just as the ambulance turned up.

"The NWAS crew then took some observations from the patient and we stood by to assist in getting her back up into her chair.

"Whilst waiting we noticed that her patio was uneven and loose in the garden and we decided to lift a few flags and have a look.

"We noticed a root that was growing underneath and lifting the patio, so we removed a section of this and relaid the patio so that it was flatter and not presenting a trip hazard.

"The occupier was quite elderly and unsteady on her feet so quite easily could have tripped on this.

"We also ensured this got reported to Halton Housing Trust, who own the property, so they could go and fully repair this.”