FIREFIGHTERS rescued a horse from a ditch in a dramatic three-hour operation.

The animal had fallen 20ft into a water filled gully, near stables off Moorside Road, Tottington, after it was thought to have been startled by lightning.

The horse, called Troy, was in danger of dying from exposure and faced being put down by a vet as atrocious weather conditions and the horse's own physical condition hampered rescue efforts.

However, its owner insisted that every rescue option was tried before she would authorise the vet to step in.

The horse was eventually winched from the gully with the help of a JCB digger and three crews of firefighters.

Troy, a Palomino horse, was yesterday tucking into his favourite snack, toast, but looked dishevelled from his amazing rescue ordeal. His owners are still worried about his health.

The drama started shortly before 6.30pm on Sunday (April 28) when Troy was found at the bottom of the gully. He was found lying on his side in a stream when his owner turned up to feed him.

Three stable hands rushed to assist and drag Troy to safety. In panic, Troy bolted further up the gully before his tired legs again gave way.

Fire crews from Bury were called in. Station Officer John Leonard explained: "Troy is an old horse and he was tired, frightened and in a terrible state, covered in mud and getting very cold and wet."

Local contractor, Mr Mick Booker came to the rescue with a JCB digger on to the field. Lines were tied around Troy and he was winched to safety.

Eyewitness Mrs Pat Taylor said Troy was placed on a bed of hay above the gully. She said: "After a few minutes he lifted his head up and started eating the hay. Moments later he managed to stand up and then walked off."