Five lucky ducklings have been rescued after falling down a drain in Aberdeenshire.

The ducks were found by children in Ellon and taken into the care of the Scottish SPCA on August 9.

They will be looked after at the charity's wildlife centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire, until they are big enough to be released.

Animal rescue officer Hannah Gorrara said: "Some lovely children were able to show me the drain where the ducklings were swimming about at the bottom.

"Thankfully, it wasn't too big a drop but the ducklings looked completely knackered.

"I think their mother must have lost them on the journey to a new home. It is very sad that they are no longer with their mum but they are doing well in our care and receiving all the attention they need.

"Hopefully we'll be able to release them back into the wild in about six weeks time once they are fully fit and able to fend for themselves."