FIREFIGHTERS successfully rescued a large horse that found itself in a perilous situation after venturing away from its field and becoming trapped in canal water.

The horse rescue, near Churchill Road, required the combined efforts of specialized animal rescue and water rescue teams, along with frontline fire crews.

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Station Manager Toby Ingham, who oversaw the operation, commended the teams involved in the complex rescue. 

He said: "Our specialist animal rescue and water rescue teams worked alongside frontline fire crews in a complex incident to rescue the large horse. 

"Special thanks to the out-of-hours equine vet who worked with the owner and our crews to safely rescue the horse and resolve the incident.

"While we train for these incidents and are very happy to attend, we would urge all horse owners to maintain their boundary fences as far as reasonably practicable for the safety and security of their horses."

Expressing gratitude for the successful outcome, the fire rescue services extended their appreciation to the out-of-hours equine vet, who played a crucial role in the rescue mission.

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Following the successful rescue, the horse was returned to the care of its relieved owner at 11:40 am.

The vet, working closely with the horse's owner and the firefighting crews, ensured the safe extraction of the horse from its precarious situation.