Firefighters went to the rescue of trapped animals twice twice last weekend.

A horse that was stuck in a ditch was pulled free with hose reels and ropes. The animal fell while cantering along a track behind the Beamish Mary pub, No Place, near Stanley, on Saturday morning, slightly injuring its leg.

Its shaken male rider managed to clamber from under the horse unhurt and refused hospital treatment. Firefighters from High Handenhold were first on the scene, followed by the Rope Rescue Team from Peterlee. When it was removed, the horse was able to walk along the bridle way with nothing other than a slight limp.

Sub officer David White said: "The horse and two others were being ridden along the track when it slipped into the ditch."

Firefighters from the same station were called out again on Saturday when a Labrador dog was trapped under a car in Stoney Lane, Beamish.

The 12-month old pet was released and taken to the vets with slight injuries.