RESIDENTS and passers-by in Little Thurrock braved the elements as thunder, lightning and torrential rain passed over the borough this afternoon to save six baby ducks.

Sadly, despite saving the little birds from the elements - including rescuing one of them from a drain - the good Samaritans were unable to reunite them with their mother.

However, the ducklings are safe after being taken to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital at Orsett.

Earlier today (Tuesday, 24 May) the ducklings and their mother had been spotted walking through the Globe industrial estate.

It is believed they had wandered from the nearby Little Thurrock Marshes.

However, when they were later seen on East Thurrock Road the family had become scattered and, in the heavy rain and with lightning and thunder all around, the mother was spotted flying away.

Despite the adverse conditions passers-by and residents gathered the ducklings together safely and waited to see if the mother would return.

When she didn't, it was decided to take the little birds to the hospital to ensure their safety.

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The residents and helpers have been commended by Little Thurrock Community Forum for their actions, with representative Paula Wright posting on its Facebook page to say: "Well done to everyone involved in rescuing the ducklings that were following their mum along East Thurrock Road.

"It is great that so many helped in the torrential rain and thunder."