High praise has been heaped on firefighters and shop staff who helped rescue a trapped pigeon from a former Debenhams.

Members of The Retreat Animal Rescue Farm Sanctuary attended Canterbury High Street shortly after 5.30pm on Saturday (June 22).

The Sanctuary was called after a colleague from Holland and Barrett spotted a pigeon stuck between a window and timber boarding at the now-closed Debenhams store opposite.

The volunteer crew, which this year celebrates its 35th anniversary from its headquarters in High Halden, Ashford, was alerted in case the bird needed medical attention from the group's veterinary team.

Although it did not suffer any injuries, the building, which has remained out of use since Debenhams closed its doors in February 2020, saw the pigeon trapped on its second floor.

It meant The Sanctuary had to call firefighters from Kent Fire and Rescue in a bid to rescue the animal.

Crew from Kent Fire and Rescue attended the town centre, departing at 6.15pm with the feathered bird safely set free.

The Sanctuary's founder, Billy Thompson, said: "It looks like the pigeon had managed to get in through an open or broken window, but on attempting to fly out, hit the glass and fell in the tiny gap between the pane and board.

"When the firefighters showed up, they cordoned off part of the high street and tried to get in through the open window.

"But the boards were stopping it opening enough for them to squeeze in.

"They tried their best to break the boards but couldn't.

"Thankfully, one of them remembered having seen roof access there in the past so they were then able to get into the building [and] open the window."

The 56-year-old continued: "Their partner was waiting on the ledge outside for them to keep them calm.

"Little pidge hopped onto the ledge before taking flight to join their waiting partner."

Mr Thompson insists he was proud of so many people doing their utmost to save the bird.

"While many members of the public showed real concern and empathy for the poor pigeon, there were many comments made [like] 'it's just a pigeon' - questioning why so much effort was being gone to for them," he added.

"Thankfully, the Holland and Barrett staff and fire brigade saw the value in this little bird's life, and that they have the right to be free and safe just like anyone.

"Hopefully pidge won't be trying to shop in Debenhams again."

Meanwhile, the Sanctuary continues to await news of whether it will add a new addition to the site.

Last week, KentOnline confirmed the 10-month-old cow struck down by a police car in Surrey earlier this month could be set to start a new life in the Kent countryside.