This picture shows binmen rescuing a young deer after it got stuck upside down behind a bottle bank, writes Tom Bevan.

Two refuse workers were alerted to the stricken animal by a concerned member of the public when she was getting rid of her empties.

They managed to lift the deer out of the tight space before it ran-off, seemingly non-the-worse for its experience.

The rescue happened at the recycling site in Cowick Lane, Exeter, Devon.

The public-spirited workers were alerted to the animal's plight by a member of the public getting rid of her empties.

David Bartram, director responsible for waste operations at Exeter City Council, praised staff.

He said: "They were quick to help out and that sums up the attitudes of our refuse and recycling workers who continue to carry out their duties during these difficult times."

The passer-by who spotted the deer in difficulty, also praised the workers.

She wasn't named, but in an email to the council she said: "I want to say a big thank you to the two refuse collectors who were amazing this morning and rescued a deer that was stuck upside down behind a bottle bank.

"I went and asked them for help as I didn't know how to get it out and they jumped to the rescue."