Abandoned ducklings rescued from Essex drain

This little duckling ended up further down the drain and had to be "flushed out"

Three abandoned ducklings had to be rescued from a sewer after falling through the gaps of a drain cover.

The ducklings were reported stuck down a drain in Great Notley, Essex after trailing their mother across a road on Tuesday afternoon.

The first two were plucked to safety by firefighters but a third could be heard further down the drain.

The RSPCA said he had to be flushed out into a net - an experience which left him "startled".

The three ducklings were all said to be well after their draining ordeal

How long the ducklings, who are now without a mother, were stuck down the drain is not known.

RSPCA inspector Sarah Elmy said: "We could hear them, but not see them - it was so frustrating

"They had to flush water along the drain to get the little one out - and into the waiting net.

"He was a little startled - but fine, and has now been taken to a local wildlife specialist for care."