FIREFIGHTERS used specialist equipment to rescue a distressed horse which had been trapped in a ditch at East Morden this evening.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the incident by the horse's owner at about 6pm.

The specialist animal rescue team from Poole and a fire crew from Bere Regis were mobilised. Crews worked alongside a vet at the scene to release the horse using various animal rescue equipment. The horse measuring approximately 15.5 hands was rescued at approximately 7.45pm. The horse was left in the care of owner and vet.