A couple who save neglected and unwanted horses were today counting the cost of a fire at their rescue stables.

The fire started in a manure heap on their farm, engulfed a trailer and looked set to spread along the stable block.

Keith Jelley spotted the smoke and drove away another tractor before the flames reached it.

Brightlingsea's part-time firemen managed to contain the blaze and were praised by Rachel Jelley.

She said they had been lucky because none of the animals was injured and the 29 stables escaped damage.

Glendenning Farm, on Tenpenny Hill, Thorrington, is home to more than 30 rescued animals.

"We were just so lucky none of the horses were in the stables," said Mrs Jelley. "If it had happened during the night the whole lot would have been gone."

But the North Essex Horse Rescue unit is now without a trailer which they use to remove the growing piles of manure and is also used for carrying hay and straw.

Mrs Jelley said the trailer would cost at least £500 to replace and the rescue unit did not have enough funds.

Anyone who can help should ring 01206 250356.

It is thought the fire began by spontaneous combustion in the manure heap

Published Wednesday, June 18, 2003

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