Three little ducklings had a lucky escape after firefighters rescued them from a drain.

A crew from Braintree pumped water into the drain in Grantham Avenue, Great Notley, to save the birds on Tuesday.

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

"The fire service were fantastic - really saved the day.

"They lifted the storm drain up and we managed to capture two of the ducklings that way, but then there was still one that we could hear further down the drain.

"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."