Firefighters wore body armour when they were called to release a stag which was trapped in netting.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service received the unusual call for help from the RSPCA at 8.28pm yesterday after the stag, which was trapped by its legs and antlers, became distressed.

Specialist animal rescue equipment was brought to the field in College Road, Ardingly, by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and the stag was released uninjured.