Cows had to be rescued after a large sinkhole opened up in a field.

The incident took place in a field near Greenhall Road in Gorebridge, Midlothian, just after 10.30am on Thursday.

It is thought a mineshaft collapsed, leaving a 15-metre deep hole.

Two fire crews attended to help a farmer dig a trench to help the animals escape.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Crews from Dalkeith and Newcraighall attended to reports of several cows stuck in a sinkhole approximately 15 metres deep.

"Crews liaised with the farmer using his JCB to make a track to assist the removal of the animals."

He said the animals "self-rescued" by walking out of the track and back on to the field.