A HORSE has to be rescued after falling in a horsebox on the way to the Cheshire Show.

Firefighters were called at 8.15am today to help Big Al, a 16-year-old stallion, owned by Cheryl Shaw, from Widnes.

Crews discovered that the 18 hands high horse who was wedged inside the horsebox on Griffiths Road in Lostock Gralam in Northwich, had managed to get back onto his feet.

Firefighters made the horsebox safe so that Big Al could be transported to a nearby livery, where a vet checked him over.

Crews, including a large animal rescue unit from Lymm, assisted the vet with the care of the horse.

Firefighters and the police helped to get Big Al to the livery in the horsebox.

The horse's owner Cheryl then called another horsebox and they headed home.

They were intending to go to the Cheshire Show but Big Al was forced to miss it due to his ordeal.

Cheryl, 36, said: "Big Al is now back out on the field. He suffered only superficial cuts but unfortunately we had to miss the Cheshire Show.

"I am a bit disappointed to have missed the show but I am just relieved that Big Al is ok.

"I can't thank the firefighters and the large animal rescue unit enough for all their help. They were absolutely brilliant.

"They calmed to situation down, carried out a risk assessment and helped to get us to the livery."

Firefighters were at the scene for around an hour-and-a-half.