Ducklings rescued at Northampton General Hospital

The ducks had no food and water in the enclosed hospital courtyard garden

Eleven ducklings have been rescued from a hospital courtyard where they had no access to food or water.

Northamptonshire General Hospital said the eggs hatched in the enclosed Willow Garden courtyard earlier in the week.

Staff gathered up the chicks and transferred them to Midsummer Meadow next to the River Nene.

A hospital spokesman said: "The garden was always designed to be wildlife-attracting, but we weren't expecting this special delivery."

The mother and her brood were carried to Midsummer Common where they had access to water