A GOLDFISH named William was saved after residents mounted a three-hour rescue operation to retrieve him from a drain.

In a script worthy of Disney, 11 people, the RSPCA and council workers set about Finding William.

Like Nemo, William was a sole survivor and looked set to be swept to his death.

His tank, which contained another five goldfish, had been poured down a drain, but residents of Jesmond, Newcastle, spotted tiny flashes of gold through the grille and sprang into action.

Some ran to find a net, others heaved at the drain, while another called the RSPCA.

By the time the RSPCA arrived, a girl had poked her fishing net into the drain and, lying on her stomach, managed to scoop up William.

He was placed in a tank brought out by another resident and appeared none the worse for his ordeal.

RSPCA officers could not get the grille up and had to call on Newcastle City Council for help.

The authority dispatched two workmen to haul up the cover and give access to the drain. But the remaining five fish were found dead.

William has been given a new home by one of the residents of the street.

RSPCA inspector Sue Craig said: "He may only be a goldfish in the eyes of the person who poured him away, but this street really wanted to see him rescued."