A sheep causing “havoc” on a main road was helped onto a bus and escorted to safety.

Bus driver Martine Patey spotted the sheep last Sunday morning while on the way to Eastbourne to provide a rail replacement bus service for the first time.

But as she approached the A27 road, Martine spotted a coach stopped with its hazards on.

Then “a flash of white” ran out from behind it into the road, causing “havoc” for passing cars.

The Argus: Martine Patey was on her first rail replacement bus duty when she spotted the sheep in the roadMartine Patey was on her first rail replacement bus duty when she spotted the sheep in the road (Image: Martine Patey)

Martine, a self-confessed animal lover, immediately decided to pull over, put on her high-vis and attempt to help the lost sheep out of the road and into safety.

"The sheep was running all over the road,” said Martine.

“It was difficult to catch, but then it slipped just in front of me and I was able to get hold of it and to use my handbag strap like a lasso.

"Two other motorists had stopped to help and together we were able to hold onto it until the police arrived.”

The sheep had a brief trip on the bus and the police asked Martine to take it back to a local farm.

The farmer arrived and it was safely returned to his truck.

Martine then resumed her journey to Eastbourne where she arrived just one minute late.