MASSIVE shire horse Charlie lived up to his name and ended up looking a 'right Charlie' when he tried to follow his beloved mare Megan into a field.

More than 20 firefighters from Burnley's Fire and Rescue Service were drafted in to free 19.1 hands high Samson Supreme, stable name Charlie, who is reputed to be the largest horse in the country, after he got wedged in a ditch at his home at Shores Hey Farm, Briercliffe.

Charlie, aged 14, and weighing over a ton, is one of the many residents at the Horses and Ponies Protection Association sanctuary.

But his affection for two-year-old palomino Megan, measuring just 12 hands high, almost got the better of him. Farm manager Muriel Brynes said: "Megan is the love of Charlie's life and he completely dotes on her - wherever she goes he goes. "She managed to get out of the field and Charlie tried to follow her but got stuck."

Part of the fence on the outdoor arena was removed to firefighters could get their vehicles in place.

They tied ropes to a tractor and a turntable ladder and used an animal rescue net to pull from above and in front.

After nearly two exhausting hours, Charlie was freed and hastily reunited with Megan.

Despite his ordeal, he suffered only superficial cuts and bruises and Muriel said he should make a full recovery. She added: "I would like to say a big thank-you to everyone involved in the rescue. The firefighters did a superb job."

Leading firefighter John Chapman said: "We certainly lived up to our new title of Fire and Rescue Service!

"Once we had the ropes and net in place it was just a matter of synchronising lifting and pulling.

"We got him on to the level and then the staff coaxed him back on to his feet."

Now he is back on firm ground the charity is going to honour the rescue service by making them honorary adoptees of Charlie.

And there is a bonus for the charity too - one of the firemen was so impressed he offered to become a volunteer at the farm.

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