A distressed and exhausted female deer was rescued in Cross Roads thanks to a team effort by residents, firefighters and animal welfare workers.

The doe had become stuck between metal railings at Worstead Road, close to the Church of the Latter Day Saints, when it was spotted by local sisters Cath Bacon and Julie Wilson.

Mrs Bacon, 44, who works for the Unison trade union, and Mrs Wilson, 55, a book keeper for Keighley Trade Supplies, were out walking their dogs at 9.20am on Saturday.

Mrs Bacon said: “The front two thirds of the young doe were through the rails but she was wedged by her hind and had rubbed herself raw trying to escape.”

The alarmed pair called the RSPCA emergency hotline and the fire service non-emergency number to ask for help.

An RSPCA officer was first to arrive, followed by a firefighter. A call was then put out for a crew from Haworth and a vet.

Aireworth Vets sedated the deer. A towel was placed over its head and the fire crew prised the railings apart. The deer was freed by 11.45am.

Mrs Bacon added: “The vet gave her a check-up. After a shot of painkillers and antibiotics, the sleeping deer was driven to a quiet spot in the countryside to be left to revive and recover.

“We’d like to thank the RSPCA, the fire brigade and Aireworth Vets for their help. Without them, this animal would have suffered and probably starved to death.”