A GWENT football referee had to call for help through a window when he was left locked inside a changing room when the players all went to the pub.

Match referee David Norman had come out of Usk Town's clubhouse showers after their clash with Lower New Inn last Saturday to find the power turned off and the doors firmly shut.

He said: "At about 4.30pm I came out of the shower and tried the door but it was locked. I just wanted to get away but my phone was in the car and I didn't know how long I was going to be trapped."

Instead of staying to wash and hose down the facilities as normal, the players and officials left in a hurry to go to the White Hart pub in Usk for a post-match social.

Mr Norman added: "Eventually I was able to attract the attention of someone through the wooden slat windows. I asked him if he could go to tell the boys but he said he wasn't going that way. Then another gentleman stopped and he got back in his car and went for help.

"When the guy with the key returned at 5pm, I was quite worked up and told him what I thought."

A Gwent County League spokesman explained: "Not only was Mr Norman locked in the showers but the club had switched the power off so he was understandably very upset."

Colin Jones, Usk Town's club secretary said: "It was a pure mistake. The referees have their own dressing rooms and obviously the last man out has locked the doors assuming everyone was out.

"Normally the officials are long gone before any of the players. But I understand Mr Norman was very upset and we have sent him a letter of apology."

All parties have accepted that the incident was an accident. The league spokesman said it was still investigating but as no players had been sent off and the game - which Lower New Inn won 3-2 - had been 'quiet' he did not expect further action.

Mr Norman added: "I was quite upset at the time but it's just one of those things and I'm able to laugh about it now. I look forward to going back to Usk to referee."