A PRANK went horribly wrong for one hapless barman when he got caught under a lift on Christmas Day.

The unlucky worker at the George pub, on Wanstead High Street, climbed into a dumbwaiter service lift as a joke at around 3am on Christmas morning.

But disaster struck when the lift fell, trapping him underneath.

The red-faced young man had to be rescued by two fire crews and an ambulance team in front of stunned staff at the popular pub.

Luckily, he only suffered minor cuts and bruises and was back into work the next day.

Co-manager of the George, Kerry Thompson, said the management had forgiven their barman.

She said: “He’s fine now, he only suffered a few bruises and a bruised ego.

“I think he’s learnt his lesson.”

The man was rushed to Whipps Cross Hospital, but was released soon after.

An officer at Leytonstone Fire station told the Guardian of the scene that greeted them when they arrived at the pub.

“He found the fella stuck under the lift. He wasn’t trapped for too long but we did have a struggle taking it off him. He was alright but I think quite embarrassed.

“He only had a few minor leg injuries, so I’m sure he enjoyed his Christmas in the end.”