CROWDS of townsfolk clapped and cheered as two firemen on a hydraulic platform rescued a raven which became trapped in wire mesh in the town centre.

Sub-officer Chris Churchill and fire-fighter Chris Verney were lifted into the air and rescued the bird which had been struggling for more than half an hour after becoming stuck in mesh on the roof of the Cheltenham and Gloucester building.

Sub-officer Bob Morris said rescue missions such as this were not that unusual for Redditch firefighters and added: "We will respond when we are called out by animal rescue representatives, usually at the request of the RSPCA.

"This is part of our humanitarian services, it is part of the job."

A Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the RSPCA took the raven to a bird sanctuary and although its leg was bleeding slightly, the prognosis looked hopeful since its wings were not damaged.