A HORSE called Billy that was rescued by firefighters after getting stuck in the mud in Burgate has died.

A crew from Fordingbridge along with firefighters from Lyndhurst, Brokenhurst and the specialist animal rescue team, as well as a vet attended the incident at a property in Fryern Court Road.

Friends of the Hampshire Animal Rescue Team Friends posted yesterday (Thursday, November 28) that the animal died.

The post on the Facebook page said that it was "sorry to say that the owner has reported that Billy died during the night" and that it's "always so sad for everyone connected".

Colleagues from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service also took part in the rescue of the 15-year-old Canadian Belgian Draft Horse measuring around 18 hands.

Firefighters placed two straps around his body and gently lifted him up using a small crane.

Billy was assessed by a vet once firefighters had got him back on his feet.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) spokesman said: "During the night Billy became stuck in mud. He managed to get to a dry area but was so exhausted he couldn't get to his feet."

HFRS staff were alerted just before 10am on Wednesday (November 27) and were at the scene for more than two hours.