A FOUR-hour rescue ensued after a horse got stuck in a ditch.

Firefighters were called to the Forum Lane area of Shepton Mallet at around 11am on Thursday morning (September 5).

A fire engine from Shepton Mallet, a specialist rescue team from Street and two officers were mobilised in the first instance, along with a telehandler from the Exeter area, a Devon & Somerset Fore and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

The crews formulated a plan to bring the horse out of the ditch, where got had got wedged.

Around four hours later, crews confirmed the horse had been freed successfully.

“One horse has been successfully rescued from a ditch using telehandler, strops and a Hampshire harness,” the spokesperson added.

“The horse has been assessed by vets and left with its owner.”

Crews attended from Shepton Mallet, Clyst St George and Bridgwater.