Horse Dolly saved from swimming pool in Goffs Oak

It took more than two hours to free Dolly after she fell into the pool

A horse has been led to safety from a swimming pool after firefighters built a ramp from a hay bale to free her.

The animal, called Dolly, fell into the pool in Goffs Oak, Hertfordshire, on Wednesday night and it took more than two-and-a-half hours to get her out.

Water was drained from the pool to stop Dolly getting hypothermia before fire crews acted using hay donated by farmers.

A county council spokesman said she had been "reunited with her owners".

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A specialist animal rescue team from Hatfield helped lead Dolly up the ramp using ropes and a harness after they were called to a private address in Halstead Hill at about 22:10.

Hay bales were piled up in the pool so Dolly the horse could be freed

"Although Dolly was very cold, she stayed relatively calm throughout the rescue," said the spokesman.

"Thankfully [she] is now safe and warm and has been reunited with her owners, after being checked over by a vet."

The rescue has prompted the council to warn people to keep their pets "safe and secure".

The spokesman added: "While are happy to assist in incidents like this one when we are available and able to do so, our crews will always prioritise incidents which involve any risks to humans."

A specialist animal team was called from Hatfield to help save Dolly