A HORSE had to be rescued by firefighters after becoming stuck in a water-logged ditch.

Crews from Clacton, Great Baddow, South Woodham and one animal rescue unit were called to Aragon Close in Jaywick around 9.11am this morning.

On arrival the animal rescue unit entered the water and reported that the horse's hind legs were stuck in silt and sludge and that its head was just above the water level.

An Essex Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “The owner and a farmer held the horse’s head out of the water while a vet sedated the horse to calm it down.

“Crews then used strops and ropes which they attached to the horse and a tractor and pulled it out from the ditch.

“When crews left the scene at 11.40am the horse was comfortable and grazing again.”