A family of ducks spotted waddling through a high street had to be rescued after getting lost in a shopping centre.

The mother and her five ducklings were walking past Holland and Barratt in Canterbury yesterday (Wednesday) morning in the opposite direction to the river, prompting concerns for their welfare.

They then made their way to Whitefriars Square where security guards stepped in and gently put them into a cardboard box.

They were then released back into the river in Greyfriars Garden yesterday afternoon.

Posting a video of the rescue mission on Facebook, Whitefriars said: “It's been a busy morning for our security guards as a family of ducks had got a little lost and were found wandering around Whitefriars Square.

“After a spot of window shopping and making themselves at home the team rescued them all safely and released them together onto the river at Greyfriars Garden.”