FIVE ducklings were rescued by RSPCA staff after their mother was hit by a car.

A member of the public called the RSPCA after the five babies were found huddling by their mum's body at the staff entrance to Spetchley Park Gardens on the A44 in Worcester.

The duck had been instantly killed when hit by a car at around 2pm, and another two of her ducklings also died while trying to get to her after the collision.

RSPCA staff said that they believed that the motorists who hit the ducks had not stopped afterwards.

Serena Grimes, centre manager at RSPCA Worcester and Mid Worcestershire branch, and volunteer Greg Phillips attended the scene and managed to collect the five surviving ducklings.

Serena told the Worcester News: "The member of the public pulled over to try to protect the ducklings and called us, but she had to leave as she had a very young baby with her.

"We got there about two minutes after she left, had to go searching up the embankment as we couldn't see the ducklings next to the mother.

"Luckily we found them huddled by the wall."

She added: "The person who hit the duck we assume didn't stop. The lady who called us and pulled over for them said it looked like the mum had only recently been hit as the babies were still huddled with the body."

After being cared for by Serena and Greg, the ducklings were transported to Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre near Tewkesbury. They are all believed to be in good health.