A FLOCK of sheep have been rescued from a canal in Dutton.

Firefighters were called to a section of the Weaver Navigation, accessible from Northwich Road, at 10am this morning (December 14), after reports of sheep swimming around in the water.

Fire crews from Runcorn and Knutsford found three sheep in the canal unable to climb out of the water by themselves.

An animal rescue team from Bollington was also called in to help assist with the operation.

Four specialist officers used rafts to rescue the sheep and bring them to safety.

A spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Four swift water personnel used rafts to rescue and recover three sheep from the canal.”