AN apprentice firefighter had an insight into a different side of the job after being involved in the rescue of a wild bird which had become stuck up a chimney. 

Lindsay Glendinning, who has joined County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service as an apprentice firefighter, joined a special rescue unit from Bishop Auckland when they were called to try and free a blackbird which had got stuck up a chimney.

They were called to a house in Toronto yesterday. 

The crew had to work quickly to get rid of the fire before they were able to pluck the bird to safety. 

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Well done to everyone involved."