Manx Wild Bird Aid shared the story of a lucky duck this week who emerged relatively unscathed following a hit-and-run incident.

The charity picked up the duck on Tromode Road, Douglas, on Sunday evening.

A couple witnessed the vehicle in front of theirs drive straight over the top of him.

The charity stated: ’Fearing the worst when we got the call, we’re now cautiously optimistic as his only injuries appear to be abrasions to his head and neck.’

They have called for drivers to be more wary when travelling around the island, and criticised the driver of the vehicle who did not appear to slow down or stop.

They said: ’Although we don’t know it was a deliberate attempt to injure the duck, it would seem the driver of the vehicle didn’t try to avoid him. Nor did they stop to check on the duck’s welfare after the incident and it was down to pure luck that he wasn’t killed.’

They went on to praise the couple who stopped to help, saying: ’A huge thank you to Sharon and her husband who stopped to help.

’We’re all volunteers at Manx Wild Bird Aid, not one of us gets paid for the numerous hours we put in. When we care so much, it’s especially heartbreaking to hear about people who clearly don’t and leave others to deal with the consequences.

’Please drive carefully around any wildlife you see on the road.’

More info on the charity at: www.wildbirdaid.com