Rescue teams spent three hours freeing a cow from a deep water ditch.

An RSPCA inspector and firefighters rescued the animal on Sunday from Breydon Marshes, near the A47 Acle Straight.

A walker spotted the cow at 2.30pm, who had taken a tumble into the ditch and was stuck fast in mud, unable to climb out. Concerned for the cow's welfare, the walker called the RSPCA for help straight away.

MORE: Cow in water near Acle Straight rescued by firefightersRSPCA inspector Ben Kirby who was first on the scene to help said: 'When we got the call about a stuck cow, I knew it was likely I'd need the assistance of the fire service. Because of their sheer size and weight, cows can be really tricky to free, especially from sticky mud.

'I didn't know if she was injured when I arrived, so I called a vet to be on hand just in case. A crew from Great Yarmouth and Carrow Road stations joined me for the rescue, and using ropes and a pulley, we gently managed to lift her up and out of the water to safety. The farmer arrived during the rescue so we were able to check the cow over together, before leaving her in his care to monitor.

'All in all the rescue took approximately three hours, and the cow was thankfully unharmed - she ambled off to join her herd. I am so pleased we were able to help her, and I'd like to say a massive thank-you to the fire crews who joined us for the rescue. We couldn't have done it without them and their assistance was, as always, invaluable to us.'

Anybody who finds a farm animal in need of rescue or help should call the RSPCA's emergency line on 0300 1234 999.

To support the work of the RSPCA and help the charity continue to rescue wild animals please text LOVE to 87023 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).