FIREFIGHTERS from Newport rescued a horse today after it became trapped in a cattle grid.

The animal suffered only minor injuries but a resident living near the grid in Langstone said horses had become trapped in it a number of times in the past.

Sub officer Tony Devlin, based at Maindee fire station, said they were called to the Gorlands at Langstone just after 8.30am.

A rescue tender from Malpas attended, and police were slowing down traffic as it approached the scene on the busy Chepstow road. "When we arrived we found a large horse well stuck in the grid by his rear and forelegs.

"The crews waited for the vet to attend to sedate the horse before removal was carried out using cutting gear, inflatable walkways and timber," sub officer Devlin said.

Bales of hay were also placed around the horse to prevent further damage to his legs. He was brought safely out at about 9.30am. Vet Alastair Mitchell, who treated the horse, said he had only superficial lacerations to his legs.

Bernard Mealing, whose home overlooks the field, claimed: "I have been here nearly four years and since then horses have either been stuck in the grid or wandered onto the road at least 16 times."

A gate leading onto a field nearby is kept open to allow access to two properties.

"The previous owner put the cattle grid in because the field was used for grazing cattle and sheep," said Mr Mealing. He said he was concerned about the distress caused to the animals and about the cost to the public purse each time the fire service and police had to be called out to deal with an incident.

Mr Devlin confirmed the fire service had been called to deal with other incidents including one last year when two horses were stuck in the grid. A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said the fire service were contacting the RSPCA following this morning's incident.

The local neighbourhood officer will liaise with the landowner and owner of the horse about maintenance of the site.