A LUCKY hen which was rescued from a burning barn has completed its happy ending - by hatching its chicks.

The fire broke out at Gainford Hall, Gainford, south-west Durham, on Wednesday afternoon and took firefighters several hours to bring under control.

Fire crews helped remove about 30 tonnes of hay from the scene, but while another 20 tonnes were allowed to burn in an adjacent field, the hen was left to thank its lucky stars with its new family.