MILITARY firefighters helped to rescue a trapped horse which had fallen down a large hole in a field.

Army servicemen formed a human chain and used fire hoses to pull the elderly animal to safety.

The 27-year-old horse had slipped down an embankment and into the hole in a field near stables in Croft Side, off Radcliffe Road, Darcy Lever. It was trapped up to its neck in mud and was quite distressed.

The animal was discovered at about 4.45pm on Saturday by a stable girl who was bringing other horses in for the night.

The military personnel were joined in the rescue operation by local volunteers, police escorting the Green Goddesses, a vet and an RSPCA official.

PC Alan Southern, from Bolton Traffic Police, said:" "It was quite a lengthy and muddy operation. We couldn't reach the horse with the vehicles because it was about 100 yards into the field."

"It was a very difficult rescue but everyone worked together. At first it was thought that the horse would not be able to cope with the stress, but it was checked over by the vet and was OK."

"It was quite an unusual job but the military took control and did a good job."