FIREFIGHTERS were called to rescue a horse which was trapped in a ditch at a farm in Rainford.

Crews were called to the farm on Inglemoss Drive at around 6.30am today (Tuesday, May 9) to rescue the animal.

One fire engine attended the scene, together with the Search and Rescue Team.

Crews used specialist straps and winches to bring the 13-year-old male horse, named Hercules, to safety.

He was assessed at the scene by a vet and sustained a small injury to his rear leg, but was able to walk back to his stables.

Firefighters remained at the scene for around one hour and 25 minutes.

Station manager Mark Jones, who was incident commander at the scene, said: “This was a challenging rescue in circumstances that were distressing for both the horse and his owner.

“Our team did a great job keeping the horse calm and we were able to bring him swiftly to safety.

“Thankfully he escaped with only a minor injury and we hope he will make a full recovery.”

The horse's owner Jackie Bloor expressed her gratitude to the fire service following the rescue.

"They were all fantastic and they literally saved his life," she said.

"He's stable and he's now resting. They gave him some painkillers and antibiotics. he's got a few scrapes and bangs and bruises. Without them we wouldn't have him here.

"Thank you to Kristen, Angela and everyone else at the farm who helped."