FIREFIGHTERS spent more than two hours releasing a horse trapped on its back in a small shelter.

A specialist rescue team was sent to the incident in a field off Dairy House Lane, Bickenhall, before 2pm today (Friday).

The crew called for the telehandler and lifting equipment and cleared out the shelter to make room to work. A rescue tender also attended with cutting equipment.

They then manually rolled the horse under the guidance of a vet, encouraging it to stand on its own.

The animal was raised and lifted by 4pm and left in the care of the vet.