CORRINGHAM firefighters have been thanked after helping rescue a frail donkey trapped in a muddy ditch- who sadly died two days later.

Heidi, who was 30-years-old is thought to have escaped from her home in (no road name) Fobbing on Friday morning.

She was spotted by a dog walker stuck in a ditch in Southend Road, Corringham at about 8pm and the fire crews spent two hours at the scene in a bid to rescue her.

Shelagh Steel, a regional welfare officer for charity Donkey Sanctuary had been out looking for Heidi with colleague Sue Field for the day.

Shelagh said: “We are not sure if Heidi was stolen or if she just escaped from her home, her owner was in hospital at the time and not at home.

“A special thanks goes out to the Corringham fire station crew who worked tirelessly and with such passion to pull Heidi out of the ditch and the other emergency services involved for acting so quickly in response to a call for help.”

Heidi’s owner had decided to hand her and three other donkey’s over to the charity because of her own ill health.

Shelagh added: “As soon as we heard where Heidi was we made our way there. She was very cold and in shock. In such a condition, donkeys are susceptible to a life threatening condition called hyperlipaemia so the priority was to make her safe and warm.

"Heidi was wrapped in a foil blanket to try and conserve what body heat she had while she was lifted out of the ditch and transferred onto an inflatable bed that the fire crews had waiting for her.

"While the rescue teams were working to get Heidi out of the ditch, we arranged transport to take Heidi to Taylor & Lees veterinary hospital at Catley Cross.”

Heidi’s condition improved on Saturday but she sadly died on Sunday of pneumonia.

Assistant Divisional Officer Eddie Brennan said: "We were not sure how long Heidi had been in the ditch, when we arrived the scene the animal was in distress, crews supported her head from the muddy water whilst waiting for the animal rescue unit and vet to arrive. Fire crews from the animal rescue unit used a hiab crane to lift the animal to safety.”

Shelagh added: “Heidi touched the hearts of many, and everyone involved in her rescue are devastated and did everything possible to save her.”

A Just Giving page has been set up in memory of Heidi if you would like to make a donation log onto www.justgiving.com/donkeysanctuary-heidi