Firefighters have been left sadden after battling for four hours to rescue a cow.

Crews were called just before 12pm this morning for an animal rescue close to Gilsland.

The cow had found itself at the bottom of a ravine close to the road to Butterburn.

A spokesman for Carlisle East Station said: "The cow had either fallen down or found its way to the bottom of a gully or ravine and became trapped in the water course.

"Our crew tried for four hours to try and rescue the animal but we were forced to leave it in the hands of the farmer and the vet who were going to try and help the animal restore its energy.

"Animal rescues are quite challenging as they're normally not easy to access. At the moment the call is still open as we may be needed."