Thirsk Ducks on BBC Radio 1 as Jonny Bairstow involved

Residents in Thirsk have been taking it in shifts as wardens to protect a flock of around 30 ducks, who have been making the trip from the river to the town centre for the last two months. 

After seeing some near misses and the death of two ducks and two ducklings, who were hit by cars travelling through Thirsk, 'Duck Wardens', have been volunteering their time from about 8.30pm each evening to ensure that the ducks are safe. 

Ducks in Thirsk (Image: LYDEN MOORE/THIRSK DUCKS)

The group was set up by Thirsk resident Jodie Wood, who, along with other volunteers, has cordoned off a section of the Market Square car park with traffic cones and plastic tape.

Speaking previously about the group, Jodie said: "We noticed that the ducks would make the same journey each night and would be walking down and across main roads to the market square. 

"We act to shepherd the ducks to safety and then we've put out cones to make sure they aren't hit by cars."

Now, several months after setting up the group, the story has appeared on BBC Radio 1 and caught the attention of Yorkshire and England cricketer Jonny Bairstow. 

Jonny Bairstow (Image: PA MEDIA)

Featuring on Greg James' BBC Radio 1 Breakfast show on Monday (September 9), the radio presenter went through the story, telling listeners about the work of the 'Thirsk Ducks' group, before going through the sad news that four ducks had been killed. 

Speaking on the radio, Greg said: "There was no warning at all - the story was about ducks and then there was nothing to suggest ducks would die in this story."

The host then commented that he'd probably "ruined everyone's morning" by talking about the death of ducks. 

Greg James then got behind the duck campaign, before saying that "any supporters are welcome" and jokingly calling for a "duck cycle lane" or "freedom of the whole of Thirsk".

While many listeners got involved, saying that Greg had either "ruined their morning" or talking about duck deaths, others wanted to instantly help. 

This included Yorkshire cricketer Jonny Bairstow, who pledged to get involved and help the ducks in Thirsk - with many wondering if he would go through with his promise.

Watch this space.