Cows rescued from Framlingham floods 'recovered nicely', says farmer

The cows were encouraged on to a trailer before being driven back to their farm in Haughley

Seventeen cows that were rescued from flooding have "recovered nicely", a farmer has said.

The belted Galloways, belonging to farmers Lewis Gidney and Livvy Colton, became stranded at a mere in Framlingham on Friday, during the floods.

After being rescued by local residents, the cows were transported back to the farm in Haughley to recover.

"They're looking good and have recovered nicely," Mr Gidney said.

Farmers Livvy Colton and Lewis Gidney said they were "very grateful" to rescuers for saving their cows

According to Ms Colton, the cows were checked early on Friday morning and were thought to be out of danger.

However, after heavy rain caused severe flooding in the town, the cows were left struggling to swim in the deep water.

The Suffolk Wildlife Trust, along with villagers, managed to cut fences around the mere and pull the cows to safety in a local garden.

Mr Gidney said he was "very grateful to everyone who's helped, and the efforts of the rescuers".

The cows were initially ushered into a Framlingham garden on higher ground, away from the flooded mere

"It took us just over three hours to get [to Framlingham], going various routes through all the villages and failing," Mr Gidney said.

"It was quite stressful."

The farmer said it was a "massive sigh of relief" to see the cows out of trouble when he arrived at the scene.

"They've been very tired the last few days. I think swimming for quite a while has taken it out of them."

Ms Colton said they now had "contingency plans" in place, should they experience flooding in the future.

The cows will stay at their farm in Haughley throughout the winter, with the heifers going into the barn to calf over Christmas.