THE stakes were raised for firefighters on Thursday afternoon after they were tasked with rescuing a cow that was stuck in a canal in Hilperton.

A Trowbridge fire crew and the Animal Rescue Unit were called just before 12.30pm to the bridge in Marsh Road to help free the stuck cow.

Teams entered the water, secured a line around the cow and carefully got it out of the canal and to safety.

This was done with the assistance of a telehandler, a machine widely used in agriculture and industry.

The owner had requested a vet to attend.