FIREFIGHTERS have long been used to call-outs to rescue stranded cats from trees.

But a crew flew to help a seagull trapped on a roof of a bank in Aberdeen yesterday (THURS).

Fire crews were called out to help the grounded bird after it became trapped in a piece of rope on top of a three-storey Clydesdale building.

Two fire vehicles and a police van blocked off one side of the busy thoroughfare to attend the rescue, causing traffic chaos in the main shopping street.

Shop staff called the Scottish SPCA after spotting the gull and firemen carefully brought the bird down into the care of the charity's staff.

Animal welfare officer Karen Hogg said the fire service had been called as a last resort after local roofing firms declined to help. The gull is now recovering from its ordeal at its local rescue centre.

Ms Hogg said "They've done a great job and the animal is fine, just a few ruffled feathers.

"We're thinking of a few names for him - either Clydesdale after the bank where he got trapped, or Specsavers, which is next door."