An adventurous pony who managed to get himself stuck in the mud in a rather stressful ordeal was rescued by a heroic firefighter this week.

Buttons the pony got more than he bargained for when he jumped into what looked like a muddy puddle whilst horsing around on the outskirts of Durham yesterday (December 11).

Rushing to the scene were firefighters from Wheatley Hill including Firefighter Clive Hudson, who courageously stepped into the mud, getting into a position where he could support the Buttons and even stroked his head to keep him calm.

The Northern Echo: Buttons and FF Clive Hudson.Buttons and FF Clive Hudson. (Image: CDDFRS)

Firefighter Hudson was ready and willing to stay in position until the specialist equipment arrived, but in a lucky turn of events Buttons started to work to free itself from the bog, FF Hudson pulled on his reins and before long he was free.

FF Hudson said: “It was horrible to see poor Buttons so distressed, he was thrashing around and clearly the effort and panic of all that thrashing was exhausting him.

“I did what needed to be done and didn’t waste time getting into the bog myself to help alleviate his stress and make sure his head stayed above the water. I’m just glad it was a happy ending and poor Buttons was fine in the end!”

The Northern Echo: Buttons the pony.Buttons the pony. (Image: CDDFRS)

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Pixie Fletcher, the mother of nine-year-old Buttons’ owner said: “I have no doubt that without the fast thinking and bravery of the fire crew, in particularly Clive Hudson, who jumped into the freezing water with Buttons, that we would have faced a very different outcome.

“A huge heartfelt thanks to Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service – especially horse whisperer Hudson!”