Fire fighters have been training with cows, sheep and horses, as they prepare for real life situations involving large animals.

A group of eight officers spent two days at Coleg Gwent’s Usk campus this week learning about animal behaviour and characteristics.

They then received advice on restraining such creatures from the college’s large animal vet.

Meanwhile, RSPCA and South Wales Fire and Rescue officers rescued a horse that became trapped in a deep drain on the outskirts of Newport.

The rescue occurred on Friday, March 5, after walker Nathaniel Severs witnessed a horse stranded in a reen near Broadstreet Common on the Wentloog Road.

Fire and Rescue officers from Roath and Malpas were called and hoisted the pony out of the deep drain and the animal was taken into RSPCA care.

Although very thin and in poor condition, the pony is now making very good progress.

RSPCA inspector Danielle Baber said: “This area is full of reens, which are deep drains used to separate fields. This poor pony would have died had it not been for the quick response of Mr Severs and the skill of the fire and rescue officers."

Officers are now trying to locate the horse's owner.