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Horse stuck in ditch rescued near Colchester

News imageEssex Fire and Rescue Horse in ditchEssex Fire and Rescue
The 25-year-old horse had fallen on her side in the ditch

A horse which fell into a ditch had to be pulled out by firefighters in a three-hour rescue.

Duchess, a 25-year-old mare, was found by her owner in Great Horkesley, near Colchester, at about 18:30 BST on Friday.

Crews from Essex fire service worked with animal rescuers - who sedated the stricken horse - to get her out safely.

She was unharmed and soon "back on her feet to go off to get her dinner", crew manager Kieran Davis said.

News imageEssex Fire and Rescue Firefighters rescuing horse from ditchEssex Fire and Rescue
A specialist animal rescue team was involved, as well as a vet
News imageEssex Fire and Rescue Horse being rescued from ditchEssex Fire and Rescue
Once she had recovered from a sedative, Duchess was fine, the fire service said