­­AN ANCIENT Forest of Dean mineshaft known as the Deer Hole has caught another unsuspecting victim – a buzzard.

The huge bird of prey, handicapped by an injured wing, fell into the 10 metre deep shaft - from which a fallow deer was once rescued - last week. But help was soon at hand.

Fire and Rescue Service teams from Lydney and Coleford were called to the shaft in Brockhollands Wood. Using abseiling equipment they climbed into the shaft and rescued the bird.

After an examination by an RSPCA officer the buzzard was taken to Vale Wildlife Centre at Evesham and is expected to make a full recovery.

A Fire Service spokesman said the buzzard's misfortune had given crews an opportunity to test their rescue skills.

"Our specialist teams are trained for situations just like this and I am pleased that we have been able to put our training to the test with such a positive outcome," he said.