RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper was called to a bridge just off Pontycapel Road at Cefn Coed in Merthyr Tydfil on 26 December after a dog walker spotted the sheep in distress.

Gemma said: “Two of her legs were well and truly stuck in the grid of the bridge and would not budge with my strength alone so I asked the caller to fetch some sunflower oil from the house.

“After coating her legs with the oil was able to free her safely within a matter of five minutes. It was a very satisfying moment!”

The sheep only had superficial wounds on both legs and was walking well after release.

Gemma added: “Luckily she had a tag in her ear and we were able to locate her owner with the help of an off duty member of the local authority’s animal health team who was lovely enough to not only answer her phone on her day off, but also take time out to find the owner details for us – so we’d very much like to thank them for their help.”

If you have any animal welfare concerns or find an animal in distress please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.