A NEW £25,000 inshore lifeboat's first rescue was a most unusual one - a bull that had become stuck in mud. A crew from Aldeburgh's inshore lifeboat vessel came to the rescue of the animal on the banks of the River Alde after the adventurous beast left its herd and went for a wander.

A NEW £25,000 inshore lifeboat's first rescue was a most unusual one - a bull that had become stuck in mud.

A crew from Aldeburgh's inshore lifeboat vessel came to the rescue of the animal on the banks of the River Alde after the adventurous beast left its herd and went for a wander.

It became stuck in a mud pool on the Sudbourne side of the river, off Slaughden Quay at Aldeburgh, at about 12.45pm yesterday.

Lee Firman, lifeboat coxswain called to the scene by Thames Coastguard, said: “The bull was reported to be stuck in the mud but was earlier observed swimming around the moorings in the river.

“The inshore lifeboat launched with three crew members onboard and found the 15-month-old bull stuck in a mud pool.

“The owner of the bull was eventually located and after discussion the bull was herded back across the river, attached to the end of a tow rope from the lifeboat.

“The animal was eventually persuaded to leave the river, and after much pulling and pushing, was led back to its field and reunited with the rest of the herd.”