FIREFIGHTERS had a surprise when they were called out to a swimming pool to rescue a trapped horse.A crew from Fownhope Fire Station rushed to the scene to help rescue the brown foal after it was spotted in the 5ft-deep private outdoor swimming pool.

The garden pool in the hamlet of Ballingham, between Ross-on-Wye and Fownhope, was pumped empty before a telehandler was used to hoist the animal to dry land.More than 20 firefighters went to the scene.A Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Crews from Fownhope, Hereford and Bromyard were called... to rescue a foal that had fallen in a swimming pool."Crews used a light portable pump to pump the water out."A vet from Three Counties Equine Veterinary services was soon in attendance and was able to administer some drugs to sedate the foal to keep it calm."When the pool was empty she could be moved to the end that we were going to lift her out."With support from a local person with a telehandler we were able to lift the foal to safety."After a few minutes all the lifting harness could be released and she walked back to her mother that was stood nearby."