An inquisitive horse had to be rescued after falling into a 6ft deep hole.
Thomas, a 25-year-old stallion, went to investigate the building of a drive and garage at a smallholding in Wrabness Road, Ramsey, when he fell in.
Firefighters and builders worked for more than an hour to free the horse, which weighed almost half a ton, on Friday afternoon.
Eleven firefighters from Colchester, Manningtree and Dovercourt, aided by three builders and the owners of the horse, worked to save Thomas under the supervision of a vet.
Owners of the horse, Susan and Edward Pitham, were very grateful to all those involved in the rescue.
Mrs Pitham said: "I can't praise them enough. Everyone was absolutely brilliant. The fire service were tremendous."
The horse was given a painkiller after the ordeal but was said to be fine.
Published Monday August 26, 2002
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