A VET and team of firefighters are to receive awards from the RSPCA after forming a human chain to save hundreds of sheep trapped in a crashed lorry.

Full-time and retained firefighters from Chippenham fire station and Alice Hall, of Walters, McFadyen & Lloyd Veterinary Surgeons in Bristol Road, Chippenham, were called to the multi-vehicle crash on the A4 near Derry Hill on November 21 last year.

The accident happened at around 9pm, after the driver of a 41-tonne, three-tiered animal transporter, swerved to avoid two other cars, which had collided in front of him.

The transporter, which was carrying 233 sheep and a bullock, was on its way to an abattoir in Bromham, from Camarthen in South Wales, when it crashed and came to rest in a field off the A4. Forty-three sheep were killed in the collision.

It is believed that the dead sheep suffocated or were crushed, after the middle aluminium floor of the transporter buckled on impact and collapsed onto the sheep on the tier below.

Firefighters called for veterinary help after attending to the drivers of the vehicles, none of whom were seriously injured.

The crews cut open the back door of the lorry. Some of the sheep, mostly ewes, were in shock and had to be carried from the lorry by a human chain.

The surviving animals were then examined by the vet so they could be passed fit to continue their journey."

RSPCA inspector Stephanie Daly said: "The firefighters and the vet were on the scene very quickly and I think it was the success of our work as a team, which led to the animals being moved from their lorry with the minimum of distress.

"They did a fantastic job, in difficult conditions and it is a tribute to them that casualties were not higher."

The firefighters and Ms Hall are to be presented with certificates of commendation from the RSPCA at Chippenham Fire Station on March 11.

Insp Daly and fellow RSPCA inspector Phil Bussey will also receive the same award.