A LITTLE gerbil from the Rydon area of Kingsteignton was the subject of a delicate rescue operation by firefighters over the weekend.

The diminutive member of the rat family, thought to be called Sniffer, got himself into a pickle on his toy log tunnel.

His anxious guardians, a mother and her son, called on the experts to help them after their release efforts proved futile.

But an initial sortie for aid at their nearest fire station in Newton Abbot drew a blank as the crew were retained and not present.

So the luckless couple hot-footed it to distant Torquay where Sunday morning’s on-station crew were able to use their deft skills to gently release the stricken rodent without further distress.

A fire spokesman conceded that it was slightly more unusual than the traditional cat and bird rescue.

He said pliers and cutters were used to coax the little fellow from his pet prison.

The young boy, aged about 11, had been upset by his gerbil’s predicament. But his pain turned to pleasure when the firefighters saved the day.

They were rewarded for their troubles by the donation of a box of chocolates from the grateful pair.