FIREFIGHTERS in Bury, Ramsbottom, Whitefield and Rochdale have received top commendations from the RSPCA following two dramatic animal rescues.

Blue Watch crews from Ramsbottom and Rochdale struggled to rescue a heifer which had plunged into a slurry tank in December. The animal had fallen through a broken concrete cover on a farm in Rochdale into a six foot deep pit filled with liquid slurry. Three officers climbed into the tank while others attempted to pump out the slurry. After a five hour operation involving air bags, slings, tractors and a JCB, they managed to free the young cow and return it to the herd, apparently no worse for its ordeal.

On December 17, White Watch crew from Bury and Whitefield battled for an hour to rescue a horse from the freezing Manchester/Bolton Canal.

The mare slipped into the water close to Warthfold Road, in Radcliffe. The brigade's inshore rescue boat was deployed to the scene and officers had to get into the icy waters and use ropes to lead the animal to safety.

Supt Bill Cottingham, of the RSPCA said: "It took sheer hard work and determination throughout both of these rescues and their actions certainly deserve recognising.

"Without the professional action of the fire service there is no doubt that a lot more animals would suffer and die."

Fire crews from Bury and Whitefield were presented with certificates of commendation at Bury Station earlier this month, and officers from Ramsbottom and Rochdale will receive their awards in the coming weeks.

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