A RIDER has praised Devizes firefighters for helping to save her horse's life after it fell through the railings of a bridge and injured itself on Sunday.

Lesley Munns, from Stockley, was leading two of her horses from one field to another at Durlett, Bromham, when 11-year-old thoroughbred mare Thyme panicked and crashed through the railings and fell into the stream.

Mrs Munns said: "Thyme was weighed down by her rug. After struggling for about 20 minutes we decided we needed some help and rang for the fire brigade.

"I tried once more to get Thyme out and this time she pulled me into the water. I managed to get out and the horse got up and followed me."

But Thyme's ordeal was not over. Firefighter Kevin Hatfield noticed blood was spurting from a wound on her hind leg.

He said: "I knew it had damaged an artery and it was important to stop the bleeding."

He and fellow fireman Mickey Wray helped Mrs Munns staunch the blood with bandages from the firefighters' first aid kit and managed to cling on to the frightened horse until a vet arrived.

Mr Hatfield said: "It was hard work as the horse was upset. There was blood everywhere and our kit had to go to the laundry when we got back."

Mrs Munns said: "I am eternally grateful to the firemen. Thyme belonged to my husband, Martin, who died last year so she is of immense sentimental value to me."