A horse had to be rescued after falling into a 6ft-deep ditch in Saughall.

The animal was stuck in the trench for about two hours, but was kept calm throughout by an ‘amazing’ team.

After it was strapped into a harness, a tractor was used to haul the horse from the hole.

Firefighters were called out to Seahill Road at 9.50am on Friday (July 29).

The Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service animal rescue unit was also called out from Bollington near Macclesfield.

A horse is saved from a ditch by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service off Seahill Road in Saughall on Friday (July 29)

Lauren Paxton said: “I don’t know what would have happened. Everyone did an amazing job.

“They kept the horse calm and got him out safe and well.

“The effort, compassion and teamwork from all the people involved is amazing and so overwhelming. They all deserve a huge pat on the back.”

A vet from the Leahurst Campus for the University of Liverpool Veterinary School was also on hand to help with the rescue.

Throughout its ordeal the horse was kept stable and warm while being fed.

A horse is saved from a ditch by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service off Seahill Road in Saughall on Friday (July 29)

A Cheshire Fire statement said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a horse that had fallen six feet into a shallow water ditch.

“Crews arrived on the scene alongside a local vet, and discovered that the animal had fallen on to its side.

“Using straw, crews stabilised the horse’s head, allowing for the vet to sedate the animal.

“Crews were then able to attach a harness to the horse and lift it safely out of the enclosure, with the help of a farm vehicle.”

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