EIGHT pigs, two goats and two horses were among the animals rescued from a burning stable overnight.

Firefighters were alerted to a fire at stables in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, at 1am on Sunday morning, with the reports indicating animals were trapped inside of the building.

Crews from High Handenhold and Consett attended and arrived to find the stable well alight.

However, they acted quickly and were able to rescue eight pigs, two horses and two goats and their new born kids.

On Facebook, a County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “A very testing night shift for our High Handenhold and Consett crews who were called to reports of a fire at a stable in Annfield Plain at 1am with animals trapped inside. On arrival, the stable was well alight and crews realised they had to act fast.

“Their quick thinking meant eight pigs, two goats with newborn kids and two horses were saved. All the animals were fine with one very happy and relieved owner. Amazing work.”