A MAJOR rescue operation was launched after a horse was trapped on its back after plunging 30ft down a bank.

Firefighters worked for more than two hours yesterday to secure the frightened animal and winch it back to safety.

The 37-year-old horse - named Donovan - lost his footing on soft ground and fell in fields at Thorn House Farm, Whitewell Bottom, Rossendale.

He slipped down the 80ft bank on his back and crashed through a barbed wire fence. Struggling to get upright, he slipped further, coming to rest 30ft down.

Farm workers were able to get behind him to stop him dropping further down the bank.

Firefighters from Rawtenstall, Bacup and Accrington used hoses to keep Donovan in place.

They put a net around him and pulled him to safety using a portable winch. He suffered minor cuts from the barbed wire fence. The horse was being kept at the farm for owner Liz Stanway, of New Church Road, Stacksteads.

She said: "The fire brigade did an excellent job and I have called into Rawtenstall fire station to thank them for their help.

"It took him a while to muster his strength and get back on his feet, but he is fine now."

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