A BABY horse was rescued after falling into a hole made by a mine shaft.

Three fire and rescue crews from Consett and Bishop Auckland were called out on Tuesday after the day-old foal got into difficulty in a field, near Medomsley, Consett.

A spokesman for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue said: "Together with some expert advice from The Coal Authority, firefighters dug the hole a little wider and guided the foal into a rescue sling winching her to safety.

"Less than 24 hours old and yet to be named, the foal was then reunited with her very relieved mother. "Once she had been checked over by a vet they were both released back to into the field.

"An awesome effort from everyone involved."