Day-old foal rescued from river in Stoneclough

Firefighters were called to Ash Clough in Stoneclough at about 7pm last night to rescue the stricken animal.

When they arrived staff from nearby Burgess’ Farm had managed to pull the foal out of the water, so the crew helped them carry it to a van so it could be taken back to its mother.

The foal’s condition is unknown, but firefighters said farm staff were hopeful it would survive.

It is not known how the foal escaped and fell into the river.