A HORSE was stuck in mud for two hours as County Durham firefighters fought to rescue it, using a winch and a digger.

The animal fell as it grazed with other horses at Low Hill House Farm, Merrington Road, Ferryhill.

Two appliances and 15 men helped to winch the horse to its feet. It is now said to be recovering well.

The rescue was made all the more difficult by the foot-and-mouth crisis gripping the country.

District commander Dave Salmon said yesterday: "If we get a call to any incident on farmland, we have to follow temporary guidance procedures which have been done in collaboration with Maff (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) personnel.

"All our clothing, equipment and vehicles have to be disinfected before and after we go on to land.

"This farm was not involved with the crisis, but these restrictions are to try and stop it spreading.''

Dist Commander Salmon said that the horse had been stuck on its side in mud and it took more than two hours to complete the rescue.

The crew was assisted by a neighbouring farmer, who used a digger-type tractor to help lift the animal to its feet.