IT was a case of never leaving the job behind when three RSPCA officers went on holiday.

Inspector Jilly Dickinson and animal collection officer Lucy Green from North Yorkshire, were staying with their colleague Kris Walker from West Yorkshire, in the Lakes, when they came to the rescue of one of Britain’s tiniest birds. They discovered the stricken wren trapped in a drainpipe and swooped to help.

At first they couldn’t reach it but soon found a way.

Insp Dickinson said:”We scooped out stones around the base of the pipe and could see the bird’s little feet poking out the bottom.

“He was obviously very frightened as he kept trying to jump back up, but Lucy managed to get hold of him so we could manoeuvre him and get him out.

“He was a bit dazed and battered but didn’t appear to have any serious injuries.”