FIREFIGHTERS spent almost two hours rescuing seven ducklings from a storm water drain in Stevenage today (Thursday). The ducklings had been spotted falling into the drain in Fairlands Way close to the Aldi supermarket by a member of the public as they att

FIREFIGHTERS spent almost two hours rescuing seven ducklings from a storm water drain in Stevenage today (Thursday).

The ducklings are believed to have fallen into the drain in Fairlands Way close to the Aldi supermarket as they attempted to follow their mother along the busy dual carriageway possibly as long as two days ago.

The Red Watch crew from Stevenage Fire Station under the command of Steve Kendall arrived at the scene at 11.13am and finished the rescue operation just before 1pm, with one firefighters having to physically get into the drain to catch the ducklings.

The operation was supported by the RSPCA who took the ducklings away to be checked by a vet, and Hertfordshire Highways.

"Seven of the 11 ducklings belonging to the adult female had fallen into the drain and had probably been there for two days," said RSPCA collection officer Kate Cornell.

"She had been spotted hanging around the drain with her four other chicks and then gone off. A member of the public had seen her and called us and we could hear the chicks.

"There was a happy ending and hopefully soon they can be released into the wild."

After being cleaned and fed the ducklings were taken to Miss Tiggywinkles Wildlife Animal Hospital near Aylesbury.