VETS at a Leigh surgery had a shock when a camera crew from the BBC's Animal Hospital walked in with a sick heron.

The team of five, including an RSPCA representative, put the bird into the hands of Chad Northcott, and filmed his examination and treatment for the popular series at the St Helens Road Vetcare Centre.

The heron, believed to be from Pennington Flash, had been found on the M6 and taken to the nearest surgery.

Chad, a partner in the Madrell, Taylor, Northcott-run business, said: "The RSPCA had collected it but it obviously wasn't very well.

"I had to examine it in front of the cameras which was no mean feat, though it was well behaved for such a big bird.

"It was malnourished and dehydrated. It had obviously run out of steam but managed to make it to the hard shoulder of the motorway where it was discovered.

"We did blood tests, hospitalised it and nursed it back to health by feeding it sprats. We kept it for three days then released it back into the hands of the RSPCA who took it to their bird sanctuary.

"It was certainly the first heron I have treated, but because we are close to the country park we see lots of birds, including injured swans and ducks.

"The visit was a complete surprise and we are now awaiting notification of when the film will be shown on TV."

Vetcare has three surgeries at Leigh, Hindley and Bolton, and employs five full-time and one part-time vet and 23 support staff.

Chad plans to start a monthly veterinary column in the Journal next month and is willing to answer your animal questions.

If you have a problem you can write to him at Vet's Questions via the Leigh Journal or e-mail him at chadathome@btinternet.com.