A crack team of firefighters from two local brigades were called in when a cow got stuck in a ditch, sinking chest-high in mud. 

On Monday, April 29, a heifer from North Gare, in Seaton Carew, was moved to safety after she fell into a ditch. 

Crews from Cleveland Fire Brigade and the Large Animal Rescue Team from County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service joined forces to rescue the animal. The Northern Echo: The cow had got herself into some difficulty in mud.

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here. 

A spokesperson from Cleveland Fire Brigade said: "After the rescue, the cow was left in the care of the vet and we wish her a swift recovery! Great partnership working and well done to all those involved in the rescue." 

The Northern Echo: The cow had got herself into some difficulty in mud.

This is far from the first time animals have got themselves into difficulty in the North East and had to be rescued by firefighters. 

Only earlier this month, a bull got itself stuck in the River Tees, in Darlington, and had to be rescued by crews from Darlington and Bishop Auckland.