FIREFIGHTERS who saved a sheep from drowning after a river burst its banks are to be honoured by the RSPCA.

A certificate of commendation will be awarded to John Hunter, Darren Henderson, Richard Walker, Mark Simpson and Gary Beswick after they risked their safety to rescue the sheep during flooding of the River Ure, at Middleham Bridge, Lower Wensleydale, last December.

The Leyburn firefighters, from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, will receive the bravery awards at a ceremony in Thirsk town hall tonight.

Sub-officer Hunter, who led the hour-long rescue, said: "We're delighted to receive this award. We are retained firefighters and this is the first time our work has been recognised in this way."

Recalling the rescue, he said two sheep had already been swept away by the fast-flowing water.

"I was doubtful about letting anyone go into the water at first because the current was so strong, but after a while we felt we had to do something.

"A line was attached to one of the men, who waded into the water to reach a sheep 70 yards away. It struggled for several minutes as the firefighter tried to attach a rope, but eventually he succeeded and the sheep was pulled to safety."

The sheep, believed to belong to Throstle Nest Farm, at Harmby, Leyburn, was in shock but unharmed.