German fairground riders were handed a 850 Euro bill for being rescued.

The thrill-seekers - who found themselves hovering 50 feet above the ground when the 'Star Gate' ride they were on broke- are furious they are now being charged by the emergency services.

Ron Agtsch, the operator of the large spinning wheel ride has refused to pay because he didn't make the call to authorities himself.

He said: "We didn't need any help, and therefore we will not cover these costs."

The riders - who were saved after a 44 minute wait - must now pay 850 Euros each.

Thorsten, a 39-year-old man who was on the ride with his wife and child, said: "We have been punished enough. Our son never wants to go on a carousel again. And now we have to pay 850 Euros? Never!"