Noah had spent almost five hours in the water-filled drain
Firefighters who spent five hours delicately rescuing a nativity donkey from a storm drain have won an award.
Noah fell into a 7ft (2m) water-filled ditch in Heydon, Cambridgeshire, after thieves stole the drain cover.
Animal rights campaigners Peta gave the team an Animal Hero award, saying it worked with "skill, determination and compassion" to save Noah.
Donations to pay for the six-year-old donkey's medical bill have since topped £1,000.
Crews used a winch to free Noah from the ditch
The donkey was said to be "exhausted and slightly sore"
Noah is currently being treated for shock, cuts and bruises at Cambridge Equine Hospital.
When the donkey was found, his head was just above water. Crews had to pump the water out and call in a digger to clear the area before Noah was winched out.
He is owned by Melbourn Church but lives at the nearby Lovely View Stables. He has been used in nativity services for the past five years.
Peta director Elisa Allen said: "The skill, determination and compassion that Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service demonstrated in saving this donkey's life will inspire others throughout the community and beyond."
Cambridgeshire Fire Service was presented with the animal care award
Noah is being treated at Cambridge Equine Hospital
Fire crew commander Jeff Whitlam said the team had been "overwhelmed" by the praise from the community.
- Published24 August 2015
- Published18 August 2015
