Firemen in Ommen in Overijssel province on Tuesday night rescued 35 miniature ponies which were trapped in a flooded field.

The ponies were up to their chests in water because of heavy rain over the past few days and localised flooding. They were taken by tractor to a nearby stables.

The heavy rain has resulted in flooding in several parts of Overijssel and Drenthe provinces. The Vecht river has burst its banks in several areas and bike ferries across the water have been taken out of action, news agency ANP says.

More rain is expected today.