A wildlife rescue team pulled out a turtle trapped in a 30ft well in Thailand.

The conservationists found the large reptile struggling to stay afloat in dirty water at the bottom of the deep shaft in Chainat province on November 4.

Animal rescuers coordinated with local authorities to clear a path through the grassy area. They drove out a firetruck and pumped out the water inside the well, revealing the hapless animal that had fallen inside.

Using a net, they then dragged the 20kg turtle up to safety. The rescue mission took two hours as the net had broken in the first attempt.

Rescuers said they removed numerous leeches that had attached themselves to the turtle's back.

Resident Mual Nilawan, 73, said a villager had reported that the turtle had been trapped in the well for at least three days. The local had thrown some food into the well, but returned the following day to find the reptile still stuck inside.

Fearing it might die if left alone, he then contacted the specialists for assistance.

The turtle is believed to be a pet that had wandered away from the Wat Wang Sakhon temple. Officers said the words 'Wat Wang' had been written on the animal's shell.