Cow saved after sinking into mud up to its nostrils

A cow that was almost completely submerged in thick mud was rescued by firefighters.

The four-year-old animal was only able to breathe because its nostrils were just above the surface when Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service found it off Whitchurch Road in Chester on at about 10:30 GMT on Sunday.

It was trapped by a fallen branch that was resting on its head.

A vet monitored the half-tonne beast throughout the operation, and it was lifted out of the quagmire using the farmer's machinery.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service said: "Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all involved and the cow's calm nature, the rescue was a success.

"Our crews said it was clear the cow would never have escaped without help, and the teamwork of everyone on scene made all the difference."

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