A former racehorse, named Tight Squeeze, had to be rescued after falling into a muddy ditch and becoming stuck.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service was called on Saturday at 10.20am to the incident near to Wiggington Road, South Newington.

The 18-year old horse had slipped into a ditch and become stranded some hours earlier.

Fire crews from Banbury and Hook Norton stations and an animal rescue team from Kidlington station were mobilised.

They found the race horse in a muddy, swamp-like ditch and suffering from extreme fatigue and cold.

Rescue teams used slings and harnesses to secure Tight Squeeze before dragging her out of the ditch and to safety.

In all, the operation involved some 15 firefighters.

Station manager Brian Butler who attended the incident said: “Tight Squeeze is an extremely courageous old lady who will be celebrating 2017 like the rest of us.

“The crews worked extremely hard and professionally to conclude what was a complex and dramatic rescue.”