Shire horse rescued after getting stuck in ditch

The shire horse is checked over after being lifted to safety

A Shire horse mare called Swift was rescued by Devon fire crews after falling and becoming trapped in a ditch.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Plymstock and Camels Head, as well as the urban search and rescue team from Exeter, were called to The Shire Horse Centre Farm in Yealmpton at about 19:00 GMT on Wednesday.

A spokesperson said the horse was "amazingly back on her feet and walking" after being winched to safety.

The Shire Horse Centre Farm said Swift had "got herself into an altercation and fallen".

The horse was rescued on Wednesday evening

A spokesperson said she "must have been spooked" before falling. They urged walkers using a public footpath running through the horse fields to keep dogs on leads.

They said Swift was recuperating after the mishap.

"The Shires this morning have been reunited and we will be giving her the time she needs to recover," they said.

"So glad to have her back on her feet, the next few days will be critical but we will be making sure she has the best care!"

They added: Without the fire crews we don't believe Swift would be with us today; their response and ability in the matter was outstanding."