FIREFIGHTERS were unable to prevent the death of a horse after it fell in its stable in Rossendale.

A crew from Rawtenstall and a specialist large animal rescue team from Nelson attended the incident at Peers Clough Farm, in Lumb, on Friday.

The horse, an 18-year-old shire called Betty, died despite the assistance of vets from Stanley House Veterinary Group.

Rawtenstall crew manager, Alex Wilson, said a call was received at 8.21am on Friday.

He said: “One horse, weighing several hundred kilograms, was unable to get to a standing position within its stable.

“The attending equine vet made several attempts over a three hour period to raise the horse which ultimately proved unsuccessful.”