'Remarkably lucky' badger and cub rescued from 10 foot shaft

The pair are recovering in an RSPCA rescue centre before being released into the wild. Credit: PA

A badger and her cub have been rescued after falling down a 10ft-deep drainage shaft.

The mother and baby were sniffed out by a dog and its owner walking in a field near Knutsford in Cheshire.

A complex rescue saw the Wirral and West Cheshire Badger Group call in the RSPCA for help.

A special pole was used to scoop the mother and baby out of the shaft. Credit: PA

The RSPCA said it was "remarkable" the pair had been discovered, because the location was so remote.

It's not known how long the badgers had been down the shaft. Credit: PA

The pair have now been taken to a wildlife centre for rest and rehabilitation before being returned to the wild.