STAFF at an animal sanctuary have been left "shattered" by the death of one of their most popular residents - a 25-year-old shire horse called 'Big Jim'.

The gentle giant - who stood at 6ft - collapsed at the Only Foals and Horses Animal Sanctuary in Oswaldtwistle on Christmas Eve.

The news will come as a blow to many visitors who saw the huge horse as their favourite.

Firefighters used winches and airbags to try to lift him, but without success. A vet was called and Big Jim was put to sleep.

The huge bay horse had lived at the sanctuary, off Haslingden Old Road, for the past eight years.

He had retired there after a working life spent pulling a canal boat in the Holmfirth area of Huddersfield.

Sanctuary co-ordinator Olive Lomas said he had been suffering from arthritis recently. She said: "Over the years his work must have taken its toll on his hind quarters although for a few years he was here he had no apparent discomfort as long as he didn't do any work.

"The last few months he had arthritis and was taking medication for that, but he had never given us any real problem. It was the first time he hadn't been able to get himself up and because he was so heavy all the staff had tried to raise him.

"When we had no success we rang the fire brigade who were absolutely marvellous. They couldn't do enough to try and get him up."

Station Officer Pete Ashworth, said: "We battled for two hours and tried everything we could but we couldn't get him to stand and after so long we had to give up. It was very sad."

Mr Lomas said: "He was put to sleep quietly, quickly and with dignity. We were all shattered. He was a great favourite with the visitors. He will be remembered with great affection, he was a real Gentleman Jim."