AN Oswaldtwistle firefighter is to be questioned about a stunt which involved an on-duty fireman being filmed whilst spinning in a tumble dryer.

Simon Leyland, who is currently on holiday in Spain, is one of nine members of white watch at Blackley fire station, Manchester, who will be formally interviewed by brigade bosses about the incident.

The stunt, which involved firefighter Andrew Bruce getting into an industrial drying machine, has been widely condemned for being reckless and bringing the Fire Service into disrepute.

But today Simon's mother, Jacqueline Leyland, of Melrose Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, said she couldn't believe her son was involved and said: "He wouldn't be so stupid - well I hope not anyway."

The Fire Service has confirmed that all firefighters involved in the incident face a range of punishments - including a final warning or the sack - for breaching health and safety policies as well as bringing the service into disrepute.

The officer in charge of the station at the time could also face disciplinary action.

The stunt, similar to those shown on MTV show Jackass, is thought to have been recorded on a mobile phone but the footage was later passed to fire chiefs.

It shows Firefighter Bruce, from Manchester, getting into a dryer at the station before packing it with clothes to protect himself and telling colleagues: "As soon as I say, let me out."

Another man is heard saying: "Get your head near the front - get yourself forward a bit."

The door is then shut and the machine is turned on by another firefighter and as he is spun round several times others are heard laughing in the background.

Fire engine sirens can also be heard.

When the door is opened Firefighter Bruce complains to his colleagues of feeling dizzy.

He has since apologised for his actions but assistant county fire officer Steve Beckley added: "It was a reckless and stupid act.

"When I first saw the footage I was horrified that any of our firefighters would think this was an acceptable practice."

The large yellow tumble dryer used in the video footage clearly has a "caution" warning embossed on the front.

Brigade investigators have established that the machine is of the type used until recently on stations to clean firefighters' clothing.

Fire kit in the brigade is now sent away to a contractor to be cleaned, but the machine in the film may have been kept at a station for small-scale cleaning, such as of towels.

Today a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that Mr Leyland would face questioning when he returned from Spain.

He said: "I can confirm that Simon Leyland from Oswaldtwistle is a firefighter at Blackley, where this incident took place.

"When the date of this incident is confirmed he will be one of nine watch members who were on shift at the time who will be interviewed as part of our investigation into this matter. He is currently on annual leave but will be questioned as soon as he returns."

Mrs Leyland said: "Simon is away on holiday with his wife at the moment and has not mentioned anything about this to me or his dad.

"My son is normally very sensible and I do not believe he would have been so stupid as to get involved with something like this - well I hope not anyway. He has certainly not told me about it."

To watch the video, click here.