Trapped pig pulled out of drain

The pig was freed, checked over by a vet and given a drink of water

A pig had to rescued by firefighters after getting stuck in a drain near a Hampshire river.

Crews were called to Fairthorne Manor in Botley Road, Curbridge, where the pig became lodged down the drain near the banks of the River Hamble.

Working with a vet, RSPCA officer, the firefighters and a rural safety officer, the five-year-old animal was eventually extracted from the drain.

The pig, a Gloucester Old Spot and Middle White cross, was unhurt.

Jim Green, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's rural safety officer, said: "It was important for us to get the animal out as quickly as possible as she was quite stressed by the experience.

"Working together we dug around the animal, removing brickwork until we were able to put a five-metre strap around her.

"Then we were able to pull the pig out using manpower before she was checked over by a vet and given some fresh water to drink."