ANIMAL welfare experts rescued a sheep stranded on an East Yorkshire cliff for two days.
The Jacob ewe had become stranded on a rocky ledge on Monday after falling from the cliffs at Thornwick Bay at Flamborough Head.
She was spotted by walkers who called the RSPCA.
Yesterday, a mountain rescue team abseiled down from the headland to save the sheep.
RSPCA inspector Geoff Edmond said: "The sheep was stuck about halfway down the chalk cliffs on a ledge.
"It was seen by a couple on Monday afternoon."
Farmer Chris Simpson, 44, was on the scene during the four-hour rescue operation.
The Skirlaugh farmer is grazing about 30 sheep on Flamborough Head as part of a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust conservation programme.
He said: "She would have been on the cliffside and slipped or been disturbed by a dog. The only people prepared to do anything were the RSPCA.
"They save animals and we were more concerned about the welfare of the animal than anything else."
The rescue did not go entirely according to plan.
Mr Edmond had originally hoped teams could abseil down to the sheep and bring it to a waiting powerboat on the beach but the sea was too rough.
So, rescue teams decided they would winch the sheep to safety on the cliffs.
But when two RSPCA workers got down to it, the sheep panicked and jumped into the sea.
She swam around to the beach in the neighbouring bay and Mr Simpson rushed down to join her.
Shocked by the icy seawater, he was worried she wouldn't pull through.
Mr Simpson said: "We're going to see if she rallies.
"It's touch and go. Sheep aren't big fighters.
"At least the RSPCA gave it their best shot. They've tried and, unfortunately, it could go either way."
Although rescuers had hoped for a better result, they were glad the sheep had been reunited with its owner.
Mr Edmond said: "Jobs like this are never easy and they don't always go to plan.
"I wanted a big healthy sheep coming over the cliff.
"But the sheep is returned to the owner and we've done what we can."
The rescue operation lasted until shortly after 4pm yesterday.
To report an animal in distress to the RSPCA, call 0300 1234999. The line is operated 24 hours a day. Visit www.rspca.org.uk for more information about the charity's work.
