FIRE crews from two Hampshire stations have been saluted by the RSPCA for saving the life of a young calf.

The calf bit off more than it could chew when it decided to wander into the upper reaches of the River Hamble near Bursledon last July.

The animal had gone out into the mud on the east bank of the river near an island off Swanwick Wood at low tide and then became well and truly stuck.

After the calf was spotted by two patrol officers from the River Hamble Harbour Authority a rescue operation swung into action in a race against time from the incoming tide.

Now, fire crews from Hightown, Southampton, and Eastleigh have been presented with certificates for the part they played in the tricky operation which lasted more than three hours.

Presenting the awards, RSPCA Chief Insp Paul Williams thanked the crews for their "efforts and actions" for the cause of animal welfare.

The 15 firefighters also had words of praise ringing in their ears from Hampshire's fire Chief Fire Officer Malcolm Eastwood who told them: "It is not very often that we get these acknowledgments.

"We don't underestimate the work you did to rescue the cow. People may say it is only a cow but at the end of the day we don't like to see anything in distress and a life is a life."

Mr Eastwood told the Daily Echo: "It is very pleasing when the lads get credit for the job that they do."

Divisional Officer Tom Carr who supervised the rescue operation said it had been difficult because it was dark and the tide was rising but said the co-operation between the two crews, the Coastguard, the RSPCA and the technical rescue unit had been impressive.

Leading Firefighters Chris Rashleigh, from Eastleigh, and Alan Fryer, from Hightown, carried out the first recce of the situation and, despite the fact that the calf was in deep mud with the water rising rapidly, they were confident they could launch a successful rescue bid.

Two boats were used to ferry people and equipment across to an island where inflatable pontoons were used to get ashore and then to reach the stricken animal.

The pontoons were placed side by side to allow the rescue team to work next to the calf without having to go into the mud. Material strops were used to pull the animal onto an inflatable pontoon and it was then taken to the island where a vet treated it for shock.