TWO Halstead mums saved three ducklings after the mother duck was run over.

Donna Royal, 38, was driving past the public gardens, in Trinity Street, when she noticed a massive traffic jam.

On getting closer, she realised the cause was a female duck which had been run over and killed.

Donna said: “There were quite a few babies running around.

“A lot of people had stopped to help so I carried on, but it played on my mind.

“I rang the RSPB and they advised it would be best to try to catch the ducklings as they wouldn’t survive without mum.”

Donna contacted Bab’s Barnyard, in Greenstead Green, and owner Joanna Smith said she would take them in and raise them if someone could catch them.

Armed with two fishing nets and a box, Donna, children Lola and Zac, friend Hazel Buist and her children Tristan and Keira tried to catch them.

After two-and-a-half hours, all three ducklings were caught and put in the box.

Donna said: “We caught the first one quite quickly, but then it was as though the other two realised what was going on and they sat where we couldn’t reach them.

“We managed to coax them to us and caught them.”

The ducklings will now be raised at the the barnyard until they can fend for themselves.

Mrs Smith said: “The ducklings are settling in well.

“They are eating and drinking and are tucked up warm in a brooder box.

“I have raised ducklings before, but not wild ones though.

“I’m not sure how old they are, but we have got a lot of babies at the farm at the moment, including ferrets, guinea pigs, bunnies and now these ducklings.”

To follow their progress, visit facebook.com/BabsBarnyard