Eight ducklings trapped in a storm drain near Chester have been rescued after members of the public spotted them stranded below road level.

On Wednesday 22 April, the young birds were found swimming at the bottom of a drain on Mill Lane in Great Barrow.

Members of the public lifted the drain cover before contacting the RSPCA. Inspector Leanne Cooper attended the scene and played recorded duckling calls from YouTube to lure the birds into view.

The ducklings responded and gradually emerged from the drain, allowing her to safely net them and bring them onto dry land.

All eight ducklings were successfully rescued and taken to the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, where they were assessed by wildlife staff.

However, the mother duck, who had been attempting to reach her young, flew off during the incident. Despite efforts to reunite the family, it was decided the ducklings' welfare would be best served by rehabilitation at the centre before they are returned to the wild.

A brood of eight ducklings trapped in a storm drain in a village on the outskirts of Chester (Image via: RSPCA)

Ducklings are rarely found far from their mother, and in most cases the adult will remain close by if young are on the ground.

However, in situations requiring intervention - such as entrapment or relocation - the mother must also be safely caught, which can cause her to flee.

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The RSPCA advises that if a mother does not return within around two hours, or if ducklings are in immediate danger, members of the public should contact a wildlife rehabilitation centre.

This includes the RSPCA's centres in Cheshire, Sussex, Norfolk and Somerset. Where no centre is nearby, people are urged to contact a local vet or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with veterinary support.