Horse stuck in ditch rescued near Colchester

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.

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

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