A HORSE sparked off a major rescue drama after he plunged into the Bridgewater Canal.

Three fire engines, an emergency salvage tender and an inshore rescue boat took part in the operation that finally brought the the three-quarters of a ton horse to safety.

Charlotte Martin, 14, was riding her horse, William, along a canal towpath, when they fell backwards into the six feet deep canal near the Peggy Henderson Animal Sanctuary at Dane Road, on the Sale/Stretford border.

A horse in front had been startled, forcing the normally placid William to back up on the narrow path and he fell into the water. Charlotte was pulled out of the canal by her friend, Becky Smith, who had been riding the other horse.

The girls summoned the fire service on Becky's mobile 'phone, and the brigade drafted in specialist help from its inshore rescue boat, on Sunday afternoon.

During the rescue Station Officer John Higginbotham lost the tip of a finger in a winch when the 14 hands tall horse moved unexpectedly, snagging his finger. Despite his injury he remained at the scene to complete the rescue.

Two specialists in water rescue from the inshore rescue boat went into the water and put animal slings around the back of William. Rescue lines were secured to the slings and William was pulled to safety.

Station officer Higginbotham dismissed his injury, saying of the rescue: "The operation went very smoothly and that was partly thanks to the specialists we now have in the brigade.

"It was nice to see the relief on the owner's face when we got the horse out."

Charlotte's mum, Lindsey, of Northern Moor, says: "At one point we thought William was going to die. He was so exhausted, his head was on one side and he was floating and groaning.

"He is a lovely quiet horse and is like one of the family. I would like to thank the fire brigade for saving him. They were great."

William suffered badly cut and bruised legs but besides that is none the worse for his ordeal.