Firefighters and farmer rescue calf stuck in mud up to its neck with forklift truck in East Boldon

A calf had to be rescued using an inflatable raft and forklift truck after getting stuck up its neck in mud.

The animal got into trouble on Boldon Flats Nature Reserve, in East Boldon, South Tyneside, when a passer-by spotted it and called the fire brigade.

Members of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) responded to the call at around midday on Tuesday 12 July and said their quick response to the distressed animal was vital in the high temperatures.

A vet sedated the calf before firefighters got to work, using an inflatable raft to get close to the animal and prevent disturbing the mud, which could have further endangered the animal.

They then used a mud lance to loosen the mud around the calf before attaching an animal hoist to its torso to try and free it.

The rescue effort was bolstered by a farmer who provided a forklift truck.

Firefighters from Hebburn, Rainton Bridge and South Shields Community Fire Stations were involved in the recovery which took over two-and-a-half hours.

Once freed, the lucky calf was checked over by the vet. It had no long-term injuries.

Andrew Blower, from TWFRS, said: “We would always urge pet or livestock owners to be careful when letting their animals roam on flatlands as the land under foot can be unpredictable.

“It was rewarding to be able to get the calf back to its relieved owner’s just in time for its afternoon snack!”

Firefighters left the nature reserve at 2:40pm, almost three hours after the initial call.