A ONE-tonne bull had to be pulled free by firefighters after it became stuck in a ditch.

It is thought the animal had been trapped close to a small bridge in a village near Great Dunmow for more than a day.

Firefighters and a specialist animal rescue unit from Chelmsford were called out to free the bull on Saturday.

A vet was also called in to sedate the animal and keep it calm while crews pulled it out.

The bull had to be hoisted up from the ditch before it was carried to safety.

Speaking after the rescue operation, Great Dunmow watch manager Gary Wain said: "The bull had apparently been stuck for over a day before we were called, and it was clear he wasn't going to be able to get himself out as he was stuck right next to a small bridge.

"Thankfully the bull seemed fine once we got him out and started happily eating the grass even before the crews had got all the straps off him."