A family of young shelducks which were found on a busy road have been taken to a wildlife sanctuary until they are old enough to be released.

Leysdown parish councillor Brenda Hardman came across the birds on Jenkins Hill, on her way from Bay View to Minster, on Friday evening.

Two of them had already been run over so she stopped and managed to get another seven into her car.

She said there was no sign of the parents.

They were taken to Sheppey’s RSPCA chairman Angela Walder and then transferred to the charity’s Mallydams Wood centre in Hastings, where they will stay until they are old enough to be released.

Ms Walder said happens quite often that wildlife has to be taken off the Island for safety.

Mrs Hardman, of Warden View Gardens, Bay View, said she would like to thank the driver who pulled over and helped her.

“I didn’t get her name but she was the only one that helped,” she said.

“Some others were trying to go round the poor little things – some people just don’t have the time for anything these days.

“Thank you to those drivers who were patient while we gathered them up. The ducklings were so sweet – we can only assume the mother had perhaps been clipped by a car.”