A ONE-YEAR-OLD cow is hoisted into the air after taking a 100ft tumble into a south Cumbrian river.

Seventeen firefighters used specialist equipment to reach and secure the bumbling bovine, before it was lifted into a waiting trailer by crane.

The drama unfolded in the River Rawthey, off Cautley Road, Sedbergh, at 10.15am on Monday, where the young heifer had fallen down an embankment.

Crews from Sedbergh and Kendal were alerted to the stricken beast by a local farmer.

They used line rescue apparatus, which created a makeshift hand rail in order to reach the river.

Kendal fire station manager Brian Steadman said the operation would have been more difficult and dangerous for the rescuers had it not been for the help of local builder George Baines, of GJ Baines and Son.

Firemen contacted him to ask whether he could assist with lifting the animal from the culvert using the crane on his wagon.

He arrived within 15 minutes of the call.

Mr Steadman said: “Due to the animal being in moving water, a specialist swift water rescue team was mobilised from Kendal to support the local crew from Sedbergh and to ensure that a safety boom was in place downstream.

“The location of the animal made the rescue extremely difficult.

“Initial access was by the use of ropes to the water’s edge. Once in place, crews were then able to place a halter on the animal and lead it down the river and up through a tunnel where a smaller river crosses under the main A683.

“At this point, the animal was more accessible and within reach of a crane.

“Once the cow had been led into the culvert, lifting strops were attached by firefighters wearing specialist body armour.

“The cow was lifted safely into an awaiting trailer.”

Miraculously, despite falling 30 metres, the young cow escaped serious injury.

Although it didn’t have enough strength in its legs to stand, it was eating and drinking as normal and is expected to fully recover from the ordeal.

Mr Steadman said Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service helped rescue ‘well over 100’ animals every year, including trapped cows, dogs and sheep.