A gardener was recovering at home today after being rescued from a muddy bog.

Ian Smith, from Five Ashes, was taken to Kent and Sussex Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, after firefighters spent more than two hours freeing him from waist-high mud.

Mr Smith's employers, Andrew and Susan Moss, of Storrers Oast, Lymden Lane, Stonegate, near Burwash, said they had been aware the ground was boggy and believed Mr Smith had lost his footing.

Mrs Moss said: "As far as I know he is doing well. I haven't spoken to him but I know he has come home from hospital and was being looked after at home.

"It is possible some of the land may have slipped or he lost his footing but I am not sure how it happened."

Mrs Moss praised the efficiency and speed of the firefighters who rescued Mr Smith by digging him out throughout the morning.

Mr Smith was working near the side of a riverbank when he stepped into the mud and found himself unable to move.

He shouted for help and the couple raised the alarm and tried to free him.

Specialist rescue teams from Kent and Lewes were drafted in to help in the rescue.

Battle Leading Firefighter Steve Budd said: "It seems he was in the garden when he suddenly realised he couldn't move.

"Every time he tried, he sank further into the mud. We had real trouble getting him out."