FIREMEN tried to save a blackbird, which was caught in twine on an Accrington tree.

But one of its legs was badly injured and the animal had to be destroyed.

Resident Caroline Bradshaw saw the distressed bird entangled on a tree at Union Street and called the RSPCA.

But an animal rescue officer was unable to reach the bird. The tree is in a garden opposite Quick Save, but the branch overhangs a car park at the rear, 45 feet below. So fire fighters from Accrington's Green Watch were called.

Leading firefighter Karl Blackledge, said: "We used a ladder and poles to pull the branch down and got the bird. Crew member Sean Carlisle rescued the bird, but a leg was badly cut.

"We respond to all sorts of humanitarian calls -- humans and animals and we help the RSPCA. We don't deal with many birds.

"I've only done three or four bird rescues in 22 years. Last year, we rescued a Goss Hawk from a 40ft-high tree near Whinney Hill," he added.