FIRE chiefs have defended a decision to send firefighters to rescue a pigeon - stuck up from a tree.

The crew from York fire station used an aerial ladder platform to recover the bird on Monday evening.

The fire service was called out by an RSPCA inspector.

The charity received reports that the bird had been trapped by its leg in a tree at Somerset House retirement home, in Church Lane, Wheldrake, near York, for two days.

Carl Boasman, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service communications manager, said: "Our policy is that we will only go out to an incident such as this when requested by the RSPCA.

"We are called out by the RSPCA to render humanitarian services and this includes rescuing animals in distress.

"The fire crews will often use the opportunity to gain experience with the equipment."

Mr Boasman said other fire appliances remained on standby at the station during the incident.

Crews took about 45 minutes to recover the bird.

It was then taken to an RSPCA hospital for treatment.

Sophie Corless, RSPCA spokeswoman, said: "As a charity, the RSPCA is sadly unable to provide each of its inspectors and animal collection officers with the equipment necessary for elevated rescues.

"With this in mind, and considering the potentially dangerous nature of certain rescue situations, the RSPCA takes every step to ensure the safety and welfare of its staff on all occasions.

"The RSPCA enjoys a close relationship with, and is most grateful to, local fire services which are often happy to assist with their equipment and expertise where they are able to."