Badger rescued after falling down manhole

The badger was found on Saturday in Colwyn Bay

An "inquisitive" badger landed himself in a tricky spot after falling down an open manhole.

A passer-by spotted the animal 4ft (1.2m) down a shaft behind an office in Colwyn Bay, Conwy county.

But it was a two-person job to lift him out, and specialist equipment had to be used by an RSPCA team and the Clywd Badger Group.

Fortunately, the curious creature was not harmed during his escapade on Saturday and scuttled off as soon as he was freed.

Conwy county council later attended to cover the open manhole.

Dan Rose, from the badger group, said the animal was lucky to have been found so quickly.

"The poor badger must have had quite a shock falling into the manhole, but thanks to the quick action of locals who spotted him, he was safely lifted out and returned to the wild," he said.

He added that badgers can be "really inquisitive creatures" particularly at this time of year when they forage for food before winter - which can land them in "tricky spots".

RSPCA inspector Louise Showering said: "It was a two-person job and it required a long grasper and a reptile bag on a pole to hoist him out.

"He was uninjured and quickly ran off. He was so quick I struggled to get a decent picture of him."

The manhole has now been covered.