A WILDLIFE charity which has its headquarters in Highbridge has helped rescue a litter of fox cubs found underneath the floorboards of a Bristol house.

Secret World Wildlife Rescue were called to the property, which was having some building works done.

This has allowed a vixen to gain access underneath the floorboards and build a den for her four cubs.

The displeased finder removed three of the cubs. 

Charity response drivers Emma and Zoe managed to rescue the fourth cub, as a delivery of cement was due to block up the hole.

The pair placed all of the cubs in an open carrier in the hopes that the vixen would appear and take her offspring to safety.

The vixen eventually appear, however to the team's frustration she chose to move them back under the house.

The team planned to return the next day and see if the cubs had been moved again.

However, just as they were about to leave, another fox appeared and moved the cubs one by one to safety.

Wildlife care supervisor Emma said: "It was such a relief to see the dog fox appear and move the cubs to a safer place, it took him about 30 minutes in total and then mum followed on after."

Secret World Wildlife Rescue works day in, day out to rescue and care for wildlife in need.

The charity's website explains further: "We are here 6am till midnight, 365 days a year to rescue sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.

"If you find an animal in need of urgent attention outside these hours, we offer out-of-hours advice by telephone, or you can try your nearest vet.

"If necessary, the casualty will then be transported to Secret World Wildlife Rescue the following morning for ongoing care.

"We rescue around 5,000 animals and advise the public on over 12,000 calls each year. This includes animals and birds, with hundreds of wildlife orphans such as otters, badgers, foxes and birds of prey, which we hand-rear, care for, and rehabilitate.

"This process can take up to 18 months depending upon the species.

"Animals are brought into us by members of the public or by our trained volunteer response drivers, especially where the rescue is more difficult or requires specialist equipment."