FIREFIGHTERS were called to a field in Higher Hill, Darwen, after a horse got trapped in a gate this afternoon.

Crews used specialist equipment to free the 37-year-old colt at around 4.05pm.

A vet was called to examine the animal due to its age, although it is not believed to have been injured in the ordeal.

A spokesman from Darwen Fire Station said: "Two of the horse's hooves were stuck through the gate but we managed to release him.

"It only took around ten minutes and he was munching on some carrots while we were working, but he had been there a while."

The average life expectancy for a horse is between 25 and 30, although some live into their 40s and occasionally beyond.