FIREFIGHTERS rescued a 20-year-old horse after its back legs became trapped in a well or drain.

Crews were called to Riverside Farm Lane in Tichborne, near Winchester, amid reports that a horse was stuck on a fence.

When they arrived they discovered that its back legs were caught in a drain or well.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue service spokesman said the animal was released with the aid of specialist equipment after being sedated by a vet.

The rescue was performed by an animal rescue unit from Winchester, a support crew from Overton and colleagues from Alresford.

They were called out before just 6am yesterday and spent three hours at the scene.