FIREFIGHTERS have been praised for their efforts that helped save the life of a distressed pony at a borough animal sanctuary.

The drama played out at Hectorsgate Animal Sanctuary in Orsett.

The horse was eventually pulled out of the stable.

Elaine Wood, who runs the sanctuary, takes up the story, saying: "Early morning, on Friday (21 March) I found one of our elderly ponies, Rose, was in need of urgent help.

"She was lying on her side in her stable and unable to get up. I phoned our veterinary practice in Blackmore for assistance and it was an anxious wait until the vet arrived.

"But, despite our best efforts, myself , a volunteer and the vet couldn't move the pony , far enough from the stable wall, to turn her over and 'kick start ' her into getting back on her feet.

Crews at the stables

"To give her the best chance of survival we needed urgent help so the vet made a call to Essex Fire and Rescue and we waited. Two local fire appliances and their crews arrived very quickly and accessed the situation while we waited for the animal rescue and recovery unit to get here from Chelmsford.

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"Every member of the fire crews involved were focused on one thing ... seeing if they could get the old girl back on her feet.

"And they did. We are so very grateful for their care and their efforts."