Firefighters worked with a farmer to rescue a horse which had become trapped in a ditch.

The 20-year-old mare was unable to free herself from the ditch, which was around 3ft deep, in a field off Saughall Massie Road.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service was called around at 10.30am on Saturday. A fire engine and the search and rescue team were sent to the scene.

Station manager Mark Thomas said: “Firefighters from Upton initially assisted in calming the horse to help prevent the animal from injuring itself.

"Once the  farmer and vet were in attendance, they formulated a plan to release the horse safely."

The search and rescue team were able to place lifting sling around the animal and a tractor which had an extendable arm safely lifted the horse onto stable ground.

Mr Thomas added: “Crews worked together very well with the vet and farmer to formulate and execute a successful plan to release the horse in good time.”

Firefighters were at the scene for around one hour.