HARRY the horse had a lucky escape after being rescued from a river.

The 27-year-old, which belongs to Elaine Barrett, of Pinnocks Way, Oxford, fell over in Seacourt Stream in North Hinksey Lane on Saturday, and was unable to get out.

A specialist rescue crew from Kidlington Fire Station arrived at the scene to find two girls from the nearby Manor Farm riding school in the water, holding Harry's head up.

It took the firefighters an hour to get Harry back on his feet and then out of the water, using slings.

Mrs Barrett praised the girls as "absolute heroes".

"We're also really grateful to the fire service for their work, they were lovely and did a great job.

"Harry's fine now and we're all so happy."