Rescuers scooped out 12 ducklings that fell into a storm drain during heavy rain in Thailand.

Volunteers from the Sakon Nakhon Uthit Rescue Association were called to the scene in Sakon Nakhon province, where the baby birds had slipped through the grates of the drain on September 11.

The ducklings were heard chirping underground as the officers used a crowbar to pry loose the drain's cover.

When the grates were pried loose, the rescue crew found the 5ft hole filled with filthy water from recent rains.

A selfless volunteer jumped into the drain and waded through the muck to fish out the ducklings. The babies were reunited with their mum wandering nearby.

Rescuer Thawatsak said: 'We thank the locals for calling us to save the ducklings that fell in the drain. The ducklings may have died if not for their vigilance.'