A YOUNG starling which found itself tangled in string and trapped on the roof of a house was rescued by firefighters and the RSPCA today (May 21).

RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson explained that a family in Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, were woken by the distressed bird at about 5am.

Later, at about 8.30am, they checked on the starling again, and seeing it was still obviously trapped under a tile, called the RSPCA.

Inspector Wilson was unable to reach the bird and so Cleveland Fire Brigade came to the rescue.

Using a specialist ladder they rescued the bird which was then taken to a vet by Insp Wilson who cut the twine which was wrapped around its legs.

Insp Wilson returned to Ingleby Barwick address and released it.

“It was a really lovely one because all turned out well in the end,” said Insp Wilson. “I love the cases that have happy endings.”

An RSPCA spokeswoman stressed that the fire brigade only attend when there is no human emergency. “We are very grateful to them,” she said.

She added that the RSPCA often find birds caught up in litter and they sometimes break their wings, legs or even die and urged the public to dispose of rubbish responsibly.