RSPCA inspector Ian Jackson literally swung into action when he was forced to abseil down a disused quarry to rescue a trapped sheep.
The sheep had slipped about 70ft down the quarry at Bollihope, near Frosterley, and ended up on a ledge where it had been stranded for four days.
Ian, and two colleagues, Graeme Foggin and Kevin Foy, were called out to rescue the animal after it was spotted by passing walkers and a local farmer.
Ian said: "We tried to persuade it to come off the ledge but it wouldn't so I ended up rigging up a rope system. I abseiled about 70ft down to the ledge, fastened the sheep into a harness and lowered it down about another 20ft to safety. Fortunately there was some grass on the ledge so it had been able to eat."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article