Cow rescued from a swimming pool

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Mark Ryder talked about how the cow eventually climbed out unaided

A cow has been rescued from a swimming pool in Buckinghamshire.

Fire crews and the RSPCA were called to the High Street in Whaddon after eight cows entered the Ryder family's garden.

The herd had climbed up a steep embankment from a neighbouring field at around 0830 BST when one fell into the swimming pool.

Mark Ryder along with the RSPCA and Buckinghamshire Fire Service managed to get the cow out using "ropes and encouragement".

Mr Ryder, who was taking a shower at the time, said: "My wife shouted at me to tell me about our unexpected visitors.

"I peered out of the window and could see that one of the cows was particularly interested in my swimming pool, which had been covered with a protective sheet."

'Case of the shivers'

Mr Ryder ran out to the garden but it was too late. "There she was, a cow staring at me from the shallow end. She had ripped through the cover and was standing waist deep in the water.

"My mother in-law Ruth went off to call the fire brigade who then contacted the RSPCA."

RSPCA inspector David Braybrook said: "She had knocked and grazed her knee a little and had a small case of the shivers, but other than that she was fine. We saw her safely returned to her field and owner.

"The RSPCA gets involved in all sorts of unusual calls for help, but this must be one of the oddest we've ever had to deal with."