Specialist firefighters spent more than two hours rescuing a trapped pony.

A member of the public called 999 when they discovered a grey foal had fallen into a ditch in Stoke Road, Hoo, and was too weak to get out.

An animal rescue team from Kent Fire and Rescue Service was sent to the scene along with a vet and an RSPCA inspector.

They were able to secure slings underneath the horse before carrying him to safety at about 4am. The animal was assessed by the vet and found to be suffering with a chest infection.

Station manager Daren Jenner said: “We lifted him out of the bank onto the path but he was clearly very weak and had difficulty standing, so we carried him to the RSPCA horse transporter.”

The foal was removed by the RSPCA as it required urgent medical attention and they are making enquiries to see if they can find the owner.

RSPCA Inspector Vikki Dawe praised the efforts of all involved in the rescue at about 1.40am on Wednesday.

She said: “It was a great team effort. The foal is now recovering well although he is still a little weak because he had got so cold, but he is up and about and eating.

"His true personality is now showing through and he’s very cute but a bit mischievous.”