Firefighters hailed heroes for saving barn collapse pony

The crew received a Hero to Animals Award from Peta after saving pony Samson from the building in Longridge, West Lothian, when the roof collapsed due to heavy snow.

The pint-sized pony was rescued at noon on 3 January along with his farm friends – three horses and a sheepdog – who were also trapped when a second barn toppled on to them.

Julie Parrott, owner of the animals, said: "We ran out in the morning and panicked when we saw that the two barns had collapsed. Although we managed to get the three horses and sheepdog out of one barn because it had only partially caved in, we couldn't get to Samson.

"But the fire service arrived very quickly and did an amazing job. Due to the weather they couldn't get the fire engine through, but we brought them up in our 4x4 and the crew rescued him in no time."

Ms Parrott's partner, David Morgan, added: "Samson isn't usually too friendly but he seemed to get on fine with the rescue team. They appear to have bonded.

"They quickly cut through the fallen timber and metal to reach him, and he got out of the scrape without injury. Now he's fine, and so are the other animals, although he doesn't have a barn to live in right now."

Peta said the award was to demonstrate the gratitude of Samson's owners and the organisation and praise the firefighters' quick and effective work.

Spokeswoman Poorva Joshipura said: "The determination and compassion that the members of the Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service showed make them community role models.

"Longridge is fortunate to have emergency responders who are ready to serve and protect all the area's residents – no matter what their species."

A spokesman for the fire service said: "It was a pleasure to hear that Peta wanted to give us an award for our rescue of Samson.

"The recent bad weather saw us called to a number of incidents where animals had got into difficulties – we also rescued a spaniel, great Dane and a seal.

"It is always nice to have our efforts formally recognised. We're also delighted to hear that Samson has made a full recovery."