FIREFIGHTERS had an unusual call out when they were summonsed to an outdoor swimming pool near Newent.

There they found a horse taking an unexpected dip after accidentally falling in and getting trapped in a pool cover.

The incident on Wednesday, March 20, in May Hill saw them attach a harness and winch the brown and white animal to safety none the worse for wear.

When they arrived, the horse was standing shoulder deep in water, but was freed after some of the pool had been drained.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service tweeted pictures during the rescue operation, saying: "GFRS crews working closely with equine vets to rescue a horse that had fallen into a swimming pool".

A spokesperson said later: “A horse had roamed from a field on Mayhill and fallen into the swimming pool of a nearby property.

“When we arrived we found the horse had become entangled by the pool cover which had been ripped when the horse fell in.

"Our priority was to reassure the frightened horse, release it from the pool cover, and attach a harness.

“The horse was sedated by a vet to enable crews to safely and successfully rescue the horse and police helped to reunite it with the owner.”