A BROOD of ducklings found trapped in a drain were saved after an intrepid rescue.

The RSPCA was called to rescue the terrified youngsters who had become separated from their mother.

A passer-by raised the alarm when the nine were spotted in the huge storm drain near Combes Road in Lancing.

When animal collection officer arrived at the scene he realised there was only one way to get to the tiny, cheeping balls of fluff - and that was to go underground.

He embarked on a journey which saw him climb down into a well and crawl for about four metres.

He had to make the trip twice with help from passersby in order to rescue all nine of the baby birds. Thankfully they were all reunited with their mother and were last seen happily waddling back off to the nearby pond.

Mr Horton said: “To get to the ducklings, I had to climb down an access well into the underground storm drain then crawl horizontally for about four metres.

“I found the poor little things huddling together in a dead-end, tweeting fearfully for their mother. I needed to go down twice to rescue all nine ducklings.

“Luckily I was eventually able to return to the surface with all of them no worse for their experience.

“Amazingly, we were able to re-unite the youngsters with their relieved mother, who then walked them back to their pond.

“It is so lovely to have a happy rescue like this. We’d like to thank the member of public who first alerted us to the baby birds’ plight.

“I’m also extremely grateful for the second member of public who helped me with the rescue. I would not have been able to do this on my own.”

Mr Horton said the rescue, which happened on Saturday, April 22, was a “really good example” of the RSPCA and the public working together to rescue animals in need.

If anyone spots trapped ducklings or other wild animals in difficulty they should call the RSPCA’s 24 hour cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999 immediately to report the incident. The charity relies on public donations to exist. The money goes toward ensuring the inspectors and rescue officers can carry out their work. To donate HELP to 78866 to give £3.