A fox cub trapped underground for days has been rescued after a long and determined effort by Isle of Wight volunteers.
The Friends of the Animals team were first alerted when a barking dog, which had been heard for three days, led homeowners to check a nearby drain.
After removing the drain cover, volunteers from the group saw the cub briefly appear and retreat.
Southern Water was called for specialist support, and after several hours, the cub was finally spotted using a drain inspection camera.
A spokeswoman for Friends of the Animals said: "When we arrived, the cover of the drain was up, and with a few dog biscuits dropped in by some amazing locals we saw a head pop out and then dart back in.
"After many hours of trying to find the cub, she was seen on a drain inspection camera.
"We could see her eyes shining in the dark tunnel only lit by the camera torch."
The cub, nicknamed Penny, was eventually located 16 metres down the pipe between two manhole covers.
After six hours, the team successfully rescued her.
She was extremely cold and had been trapped for an estimated five days.
Emergency care was provided by Carisbrooke Vets, who gave her an antibiotic and admitted her to administer fluids.
A spokesperson for the Friends of the Animals team said: "A huge thank you to the Southern Water crew, because without their help we would not have caught her.
"Southern Water, you should feel proud of your determined and caring employees.
"As the saying goes: heroes don’t always wear capes."
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