Eight pheasant chicks that were rescued from a grass fire by firefighters have successfully hatched.

Firefighters rescued the eggs when tackling a grass blaze in Linwood, Renfrewshire last week.

The chicks, that hatched two days ago, are being cared for by staff at Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre in Ayrshire.

Senior hospital assistant and primary carer of the young, Jen Beasley, said the chicks are the same size as her thumb.

"Last Wednesday we got a call from Johnstone fire brigade to say they had found the eggs in a nest while fighting a peat fire," she said.

"I went down to collect them and they kindly showed me where the eggs were found and were able to say when the mother was last there which was really helpful.

"There were 11 eggs and four fertilised.

"Four days later they hatched in the incubator. They are just thumb size at the moment."

Ms Beasley looked after the eggs while in the incubator, rotating them daily to stop them sticking to the shells.

The tiny birds are being fed chick grains and mealworms but are being encouraged to try and find their own insects.

"Once they have grown big and strong enough they will be put in the outdoor aviary," she added.

"They will then be given a soft release first to see how they get on in a month or so, before being properly released."

She thanked the Scottish Fire and Rescue team for rescuing the chicks from the flames, and for not giving up when the first few places they called said they could not take them.

She said: "Even though they are busy they still call and check in on how the chicks are doing."

A spokesman for Scottish Fire and Rescue said: "The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is a humanitarian organisation and we delighted to note that, thanks to the efforts of our crews, the chicks have now hatched safely.

"We would urge everyone to take care when out and about this Summer - it is crucial that people act safely and responsibly in rural environments and follow the countryside code."