SPECIALLY trained firefighters helped rescue a distressed horse which got stuck in a ditch last night (Thursday, August 10).

The specialist animal rescue team from Bridgwater were called to The Causeway in Woolavington just before 11pm following a call from the horse's owner.

The horse had been missing for eight hours before it was discovered in the mud and water-filled ditch.

After liaising with the owner on scene, who had been able to sedate the horse to aid its comfort and extrication, crews set to work rescuing it with harnesses, strops and the use of a mechanical digger (supplied by the land owner).

However, at 11.40pm, the rescue was halted as the horse did not remain sedated and the decision was taken to await the arrival of the vet.

Crews eventually released the horse at around midnight, and was left in the hands of its relieved owner and the vet.