HOSPITAL security staff became a quack rescue team after five ducklings fell down a drain.

The three security guards, at Colchester General Hospital, were called by visitors who spotted a duck in a flap.

The newly-hatched ducklings had waddled into trouble while following their mum.

Robert Brown, security manager at the Turner Road site, said: “They were at the main entrance to the site when members of the public alerted them that this female duck was in distress.

“They went over and realised her ducklings had fallen down a manhole.

“She was very agitated and squawking.”

The trio, Neville Windard, Lee Richardson and Jason Bryan, leapt into action.

One stopped traffic, including a bus, so the other two could lift the heavy drain cover to get at the siblings.

One ushered the ducks to one side of the drain to prevent them from escaping while a colleague gently brought up the ducklings one at a time.

Mr Brown said: “Quite often there’s a queue for people getting into the hospital car park and understandably people can get annoyed at any hold ups.

“But everyone was great and let them get on with it.

“A few people were trying to get to accident and emergency and they obviously let them pass straight away.”

The ducks were all reunited with their mum before traffic was allowed to move again following the drama on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Brown added: “They seemed absolutely fine and all went off back towards the lake in front of the hospital.

“The guys did a great job.”