A FLOCK of 25 sheep caught out by the fast-flowing Morecambe Bay tide off Arnside managed to swim safely to shore.

The drama was captured by visitor Ian Joseph, 56, who posted the footage onto Youtube.

Mr Joseph, who owns a holiday home at Old Park Wood, Levens, said the sheep had to front paddle a quarter-of-a-mile against the fierce tide to secure their survival.

He had gone out to watch the tide coming in when he spotted the sheep wandering on the sands.

“I thought if these sheep don't start coming back in they’re going to get themselves in trouble,” said Mr Joseph, of Bury.

“The sand they were standing on was getting smaller and smaller.

“The water started coming up to their legs.

“I think it was near their heads by the time one of them just set off swimming, then one by one they all started following each other.

“It was quite a sight. If they hadn't started to swim they would have drowned – there is no doubt about that.

“I know most animals can swim but to see all these sheep suddenly do it was amazing.”