A HORSE stranded in rising flood water became the centre of a three-hour rescue mission this morning.

Crews from Ulverston and Barrow were sent to help the animal which had become trapped on a small island of land in a severely flooded field in Outcast, on the edge of Ulverston, at around 8am.

Using buckets of carrots as bait, rescuers on a boat coaxed the animal through the water before attaching a head harness to lead it to safety.

Watch manager Mark Ducie said: "A member of the public phoned to say that the horse was becoming stuck.

"When we got there it was quite distressed.

"The water was rising quickly and there was torrential rain throughout the rescue so we needed to make sure we got that horse, and another which was in the field to safety."

After releasing the horse crews were then called to help move six donkeys in another field, which were also precariously near rising water.

"We would advise anyone with livestock on low lying areas which are prone to flooding to try and move their animals to higher ground," said Mr Ducie.

Dragley Beck at Outcast yesterday burst its banks, flooding Ulverston Rope Walk and nearby fields.

Local resident Carole Garnett said: "The water's raging and it's far higher than just a few hours ago.

"Usually you can walk along the paths but they're completely under water."