Horse stuck in ditch rescued near Colchester

Image source, Essex Fire and Rescue

Image caption, The 25-year-old horse had fallen on her side in the ditch

A horse which fell into a ditch had to be pulled out by firefighters in a three-hour rescue.

Duchess, a 25-year-old mare, was found by her owner in Great Horkesley, near Colchester, at about 18:30 BST on Friday.

Crews from Essex fire service worked with animal rescuers - who sedated the stricken horse - to get her out safely.

She was unharmed and soon "back on her feet to go off to get her dinner", crew manager Kieran Davis said.

Image source, Essex Fire and Rescue

Image caption, A specialist animal rescue team was involved, as well as a vet

Image source, Essex Fire and Rescue

Image caption, Once she had recovered from a sedative, Duchess was fine, the fire service said