A TOWNSVILLE toddler became trapped in a toy vending machine on Thursday night, after he climbed into the machine's prize slot opening.

The curious 15-month-old boy climbed inside the machine at the Stuart Hotel just after 7pm and emergency crews were called shortly after when it was realised he couldn't get back out.

But when help arrived at 7.30pm the manager had already freed the boy with the key.

The toddler did not sustain any injuries during the incident and became somewhat of an attraction to hotel patrons, who photographed him in the machine.

Originally published as Toddler trapped in vending machine