A HORSE stuck in the mud prompted a tense four-hour rescue by the coastguard.

Firefighters and other emergency services worked to save the horse from the salt marshes on Walney.

Using heavy machinery the team finally managed to free the horse at around 4pm.

They had to rescue the horse from the mud and then get it to stand and walk.

The animal was left in the care of a local horse owner.

A coastguard spokesman said: "Furness Coastguard were requested to assist Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service this afternoon at 13.17, to reports of a horse stuck in the mud at the Salt Marshes on Walney.

"Both teams worked tirelessly to firstly retrieve the horse from the mud, and then worked to get the horse to stand and eventually walk.

"It was a tense four hours as to whether the horse would make it but we are all glad to report the horse is safely in the care of a local horse owner.

"The community from the surrounding area all pulled together for the horse, including the local farmer with his tractor, local riding school all alongside a trained equine vet for the full duration of the rescue.

"We can't thank the public enough for allowing the teams space and time during the operation, as we had to close the only road to and from South Walney due to flooding on Thorney Nook Lane."