A COW weighing 500lb was dramatically rescued today after getting stuck up to it' neck in slurry.

The incident happened at Shuttleworth House Farm, Castle Clough Lane, Hapton, at 5.55am after the farmer heard the cow in distress and dialled for the fire brigade.

Firefighters used a tractor and harness to hoist the cow to safety.

Firefighter Malcolm Nuttall, said: "The cow was very distressed when we got there. It was up to its neck, struggling to get out and was losing its strength. We eventually got the tractor to hoist it out.

"The cow managed to stand up for a while before resting on its knees for 20 minutes and then walking off towards the cow shed."