A HORSE which got stuck up to its shoulders in thick mud and water was freed by firefighters in Ulverston.

Specialist animal rescue straps were used to free the stricken animal from a covered beck in a field off Tebay Lane, at Oubas Hill.

Firefighters from Ulverston and Barrow were assisted in the 40-minute rescue by a local farmer who used a tractor to pull the horse free at around 1.40pm on Sunday.

The tired animal was able to walk away after its ordeal, crews said.