Municipal workers of an eastern Dutch town fished a wad of cash out of the sewage system on Wednesday, literally saving a family's holiday plans from the toilet, a statement said on Thursday.

"A family from Oldenzaal yesterday saw their holiday disappearing down the sewer," said a statement on the town's website.

A woman had withdrawn €900 in cash, put it in a pants pocket, accidentally dropped it in the toilet, and flushed.

"She called the municipality in a panic," said the statement. "Municipal workers found this to be an exceptional case, and decided to help."

The money was tracked with a mini-camera, €600 in one direction, €200 in another and the last €100 bill in a third spot.

"The overjoyed family hung the money bills on the washing line to dry, and have meanwhile departed on their overseas holiday."

The rescue action was carried out just in time, added the statement.

"Had the money travelled much further, it would have been pumped to the water purification works. In that case, it would probably not have been retrieved."

AFP