Hayley MaceFive ducklings stuck in a drain, a hamster trapped in a cage and a horse with its head stuck in a bath - these are just some of the bizarre animal rescue operations that the fire service has been called to deal with in Suffolk.Hayley Mace

Five ducklings stuck in a drain, a hamster trapped in a cage and a horse with its head stuck in a bath - these are just some of the bizarre animal rescue operations that the fire service has been called to deal with in Suffolk.

Firefighters in the county have been involved in 120 weird and wonderful animal rescues in the past two years, at a cost of nearly �60,000.

During this time, the fire service has been called to rescue 11 cats caught up trees, five horses trapped in horseboxes and four cows stuck in ditches.

In Lowestoft, fire crews were called to help after a pet hamster got stuck in the mechanism of its cage.

A young boy's mother phoned the fire service and they tried to provide assistance over the phone, but she could not free the hamster. A fire engine was later sent to the house and the animal was set free.

In total, 35 cats have needed assistance after getting themselves in a spot of bother, while 14 dogs have needed the help of a firefighter.

Gary Phillips, assistant chief fire officer, said: 'Sometimes it's not just rescuing the animals but it is also about reassuring the public in these various situations. Reassuring the public is now a vital part of a firefighter's role.

'We work very closely with the RSPCA and its them that go and assess the situation before calling the fire service out - very often we are involved due to an animal in distress and with Suffolk being such a rural area this happens a lot.'