A HORSE was rescued by firefighters after it became stuck in a muddy river.

The animal - thought to be called Esther - was stranded in the river Salwarpe, at Ladywood, near Droitwich, on Friday morning.

A fire crew from Droitwich, along with an animal rescue team from Bromyard, were alerted shortly after 10.30am.

The crews used a rescue pump and water rescue unit to safely help the horse out of the river, assisted by a vet.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service tweeted to say the horse, which is understood to have slipped down the bank in the night, was unharmed.