As recording studios go, a vault in an old bank seems the coolest place for a band to practice.

Not only are the acoustics likely to be perfect but playing in such secure surroundings are sure to be safe from unwanted interruptions.

But the idea backfired on Andy Taylor and Andrew Pidgeon, of Brighton-based band The Dials, when someone pushed the 1ft-thick steel vault door shut on them during a jamming session.

The vault turned out to be so secure no one could get them out.

Staff at Church Road Studios in Hove, a recording and jamming studio converted from an old Barclays bank, tried in vain to open the doors.

Experienced bank robbers may have been inside in a minute but staff found they were no good at safe-breaking.

They even bent two crowbars as they tried to prise the vault open. In the end they called the fire brigade to break in for them yesterday.

While eight firefighters battled to free them, Andy and Andrew played requests from the fire crew.

The organist and the drummer of the country/rock band played songs including the appropriately titled Light My Fire by the appropriately named The Doors.

Paul Pascoe, an engineer at the studio, said: "We tried everything but the door just wouldn't budge.

"The old vault is used for jam sessions and they were stuck in there for about two hours.

"There's a sign on the door Please Don't Slam' but I think one of the band pushed it to because of the noise - he was mixing in another room."

The fire crew's methods were worthy of any would-be bank robbers but they didn't have to blow the door off.

Sub Officer Stuart Black and his crew first used fans to cool down the door and fractionally shrink it.

Then a hydraulic winch was attached to the door opposite and the vault slowly opened.

Mr Black said: "The door was massive and must have weighed a ton. It was a pretty tough job but we appreciated the musical accompaniment while we worked. I might well go and see them."

The Dials, so named because members all live close to Seven Dials, Brighton, comprises Dermot Watson (guitar), Andy (organist), Andrew (drums), and Martin Johnson (singer).

After the drama, the band continued mixing what will be their first album.

Andrew, who works for a bank, said the band were expecting a few jibes about their rescue at their next gig at the Engine Room in Preston Street, Brighton, on November 25.