A MACHINE operator at a textile factory was injured when his arm was crushed between two rollers - on his 47th birthday.

Joseph Bux, of Pasturelands Drive, Billington, was said to be in a stable condition today as he received specialist care at the Royal Preston Hospital.

Inspector Steve Howarth said Mr Bux's right arm was badly damaged, but that he was expected to make a full recovery after a long period of rehabilitation.

The Health and Safety Executive has launched an investigation into the accident, which happened yesterday afternoon at Stonebridge and Non Wovens Limited, Mill Street, Oswaldtwistle.

Mr Bux's right arm became trapped between two rollers which fabric is fed through.

Firefighters were sent at 4pm and freed Mr Bux within 20 minutes by cutting one end of a roller with a thermal lance - a red hot metal rod capable of slicing through metal.

Paramedics then treated him for the crush injuries and deep cuts. He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary before being transferred last night.

Mr Bux was believed to have been working for the company for just six weeks.

Leading Firefighter Phil Jones said: "We looked for other methods to free him first. But we had to look at not making the injury worse, so we decided to use the thermal lance cutting equipment.

"We cut through one end which dropped the roller and allowed enough room to free his arm.

"He was conscious throughout."

Insp Howarth confirmed it was Mr Bux's 47th birthday yesterday and added: "There is a good chance he will make a decent if not full recovery."

The company has been in business for more than three years and employs 16 people.

Tony Finnigan, director of Stonebridge and Non Wovens Ltd, said: "In three-and-a-half years this is our first accident and in 30 years experience I have never known anyone to have an accident in this area of the machine.

"His arm was caught in the part of the machine that puts the fabric onto a roll.

"We are not sure how it happened yet because we weren't able to speak to him yet.

"As far as I understand it there are no broken bones. He will have to have some skin grafts and they won't know it there is any ligament damage until the swelling goes down."