A FIRE engine from Holsworthy and the special rescue team from Camels Head were sent to reports of cows trapped in a slurry pit in Tetcott at around 4.05pm on February 25.

On arrival crews discovered four cows trapped in a slurry pit measuring 20m by 15m and approximately 10ft deep. It was decided to send a further special rescue team from Barnstaple. 

The cows were rescued using special rescue team water equipment, mud mats, strops, throw lines, duty lines and lighting. 

The farmer also used his telehandler to help with the rescue.

Barnstaple Fire Station wrote on social media: “Yesterday at just gone half three in the afternoon your specialist rescue team were sent to a farm near Holsworthy. They were asked to rescue four cows that had got stuck in the slurry pit. After a long, hard and very messy time, Green Watch managed to get all four cows out.

“Using special lifting slings and the farmer’s telehandler, the cows were dug out and lifted to safety. Then it was back to the station for a huge clean up.”