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Dozens of firefighters, members of the coastguard and farmers rescued a cow stuck in the mud in County Down on Saturday.

The 500 kilogram heifer had escaped from Rowreagh farm near Kircubbin and wandered onto a marshy tidal inlet, before sinking up to its neck in the mud.

At around 21:30 BST, 16 firefighters, members of the coastguard and an animal rescue team from Newcastle assisted in hoisting the cow from the mud, using some rope and a reach forklift.

After a two-hour rescue operation, the cow was lifted to safety and returned to the farm uninjured.

'The poor animal was exhausted'

Thomas Steele, of Rowreagh Farm, said it was the first time it had happened to one of his herd of around five hundred.

"At first we were surprised when a member of the public notified us," he said.

When Mr Steele, his brother Samuel and his father William went down to assess the situation, they realised they would need help to free the animal.

Upon arrival, the animal rescue team and fire service were able to reach the trapped animal by using a floating bridge.

They then attached some rope and a harness around the cow to begin lifting her to safety.

"For four or five hours she was stuck there, the poor animal was exhausted," he said.

Mr Steele said his heifer has "brightened up a bit" since getting cleaned in warm water and some rest.

"Our cows roam quite freely, so she had wandered out to the bay when the tide was out and got stuck.

"I want to thank the fire service and the animal rescue team from Newcastle, they were quick to respond and very useful in the situation.

"It would have been a great loss for us, to lose good livestock, it's in our nature as farmers to look after them," he added.