IT was meant to be a refreshing dip, but instead left her feeling like a real stick in the mud.

When an eight-year-old Highland cow decided to go for a swim in the chilly waters of the River Hamble, little did she realise it would soon leave her unable to moo-ve.

The beached bovine, who is known to enjoy going for a paddle, had strayed further downriver than usual from her paddock at Botley Mill Farm, Botley, to a spot where the banks are much steeper. Recent heavy rain meant that the sides of the river were too muddy for the large animal to climb out.

Hampshire firefighters spent two hours at the scene on Monday afternoon, where they had to create a ramp for the animal before they could use ropes to help it out of the water.

For the full story and pictures, see today's Southern Daily Echo.