A GOOSE has taken a duck and her ducklings under her wing.

Tracy the Chinese swan goose, has taken up the role of mother hen at Oswaldtwistle Mills by looking after 13 ducklings from one duck and another three ducklings from another.

Named after Oswaldtwistle Mills’ marketing manager Tracy Leeming, after she looked after her egg 13 years ago, Tracy the Chinese swan goose is now very protective of the young birds, according to bosses there.

Tracy’s parents were wild birds that flew onto the mill’s lodge to nest.

They had two eggs but only one of which survived and was looked after Tracy Leeming. The Chinese swan goose parents flew off for the winter and left her behind.

Tracy Leeming said: “She is very protective of the new mother ducks having never had a brood of her own and over the years has helped rear many young ducklings, keeping them safe from cats, water rats and herons.

“Our resident black swan Bubbles, who is only two years old, has also been mothered by Tracy and is now in turn looking after the baby ducklings too.

“In addition to the 13 young ducklings from the one mother Tracy is also looking after three ducklings and a young mum that we found wandering around on Moscow Mill Street.

"We have just had another 10 ducklings hatched on our second lodge making a total of 26 young ducklings at the shopping village so far.”

Oswaldtwistle Mills is currently putting together a wildlife leaflet and trail and is asking any Lancashire Telegraph birdwatchers who might be able to help are asked to call 01254 871025.