Speared duck on road to freedom

A young duck who had an emergency operation after being speared with a screwdriver has taken its first steps on the road back to freedom.

The drake was found at a pond in Swaffham, Norfolk, three weeks ago with a screwdriver handle sticking out of its neck.

The 6in blade had gone through its right shoulder.

RSPCA staff moved the duck to a farm in Oxbrough after treating it at the veterinary hospital at East Winch.

The RSPCA said it hoped the duck would soon fly and return to the wild.

Vet Richard Saunders said the screwdriver had missed vital organs by centimetres.

RSPCA officials think the attack was deliberate and police are trying to find the culprits.