Ducklings get help from villagers

3:03pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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TRAPPED in a pond with no means to escape, the birds of Askham Richard were literally sitting ducks.

Dozens of doomed ducklings were unable to get out of the village's newly rebuilt pond, and were systematically picked off by a heron and local cats, while those who did eventually make it to the bank became prey for crows.

But now, thanks to helpful villagers, the feathered friends are finally walking the plank to safety.

The parish council has installed a temporary ramp, allowing the birds to get on to dry land.

Parish councillor Jean Julian said: "We have lost approximately 50 ducklings this spring, partly due to visits by the local heron and village cats but also it is felt by the small ducklings becoming exhausted trying to clamber on to the bank and then being waiting prey for crows."