A HORSE stuck in a ditch filled with four feet of water was rescued by the fire service, just hours after a cow found itself in a similar situation.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to the large animal rescues one after the other on Saturday, November 9.

On-call emergency services from Street were mobilised at 9.23am to reports of a cow stuck in a ditch in the Street Drove area.

The rescue service stated: "Crew managed to contact the local farmer that the cow belonged to and awaited their arrival to the incident.

"With the help from the farmer, the cow was successfully rescued from the ditch unharmed."

Just hours later at 12.20pm, the on-call crew from Cheddar and the animal rescue trained crew from Bridgwater were called to rescue a horse stuck in a water-filled ditch.

Despite standing in four feet of water the crew confirmed that the horse "appeared to be fit and well". 

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement: "Shortly after crew booked in attendance, they confirmed that the horse was in water of approximately 4foot and it appeared to be fit and well.

"Crew also made a request for the attendance of a telehandler, this was initially mobilised from Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) station, however stood down as a telehandler with a trained operator became available in the local area."

The horse was successfully rescued using technical rescue equipment, including a "Hampshire lifting device and telehandler".