FIREFIGHTERS rescued a horse left fighting for her life after falling in snow during the storm on Monday.

Penny, a 35-year-old Arabian mare, was on her way to the stables in Walton-le-Dale when she slipped in a muddy field and was unable to get up.

The 16-hand horse was being led by her owner at about 4.30pm when she lost her balance; her 11-year-old foal, Libby, was left whinnying by her side.

One eyewitness said: "It was awful to see, mud splattered everywhere, she was covered in snow and had lost her strength. Libby was whinnying to Penny."

Despite repeated attempts by friends who tried for an hour to rescue her, the old horse was just too heavy to lift. She was wrapped up in blankets while the fire services were called in.

Green watch from Bamber Bridge station arrived at the scene at 5.35pm led by sub officer Steve Johnson.

Using ropes and lifting sticks, firefighters managed to get Penny back on her feet and she was taken to her stables to keep warm.

Sub officer Johnson said: "It was in some distress and may not have survived much longer because of the weather."

And the horse's owner said: "I can't praise the fire service enough, they were absolutely marvellous."

Penny was checked by the vet on Tuesday morning as he was unable to get there on Monday night due to the snow.

She is now making a full recovery and Libby has been sitting outside the stables watching her mother.