A PONY that was rescued by firefighters after it became stuck in mud died hours later.

The RSPCA and a vet were called to a field at the end of Wilkinson Street, in Byers Green, near Spennymoor, County Durham, on Thursday morning where the animal had been seen struggling to free itself.

Unable to move it to safety, they turned to County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for help.

A specialist animal rescue team from Bishop Auckland community fire station attended and fire and rescue personnel were able to wrap straps under the black and white cob’s body and pull it out of the mud.

A fire brigade spokeswoman said: “We were called at 12.33pm and a specialist crew from Bishop Auckland attended the field with animal rescue kit.

“The horse was trapped in mud near a stream when we got there, the RSPCA and vet were onsite and we assisted in getting the horse out.

“It was moved further up the field, where the earth was not as muddy.”

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said unfortunately the pony died overnight.