AN orphaned otter cub whose mother was killed on the road is getting a second chance after she was treated at Stapeley's Wildlife Centre at Nantwich.

The cub was found dehydrated and starving next to a country lane in Wales.

Her mother had been killed three days before.

The youngster, a female believed to be between nine and 12 weeks old, was picked up by a member of the public near the village of Four Crosses, after she was spotted wandering around yards from her mother's body.

He took her to the local vet where she was re-hydrated and staff there called the RSPCA.

An officer from the animal charity brought the cub to Stapeley Grange where she was fed a milk supplement and special fish soup to help her gain weight.

Robert Scrivens, a supervisor at the wildlife centre, said: "The cub had lost about a third of her bodyweight when we took her in.

"She was quite weak but we're pleased to say is now making a good recovery."

After a week the cub was given a clean bill of health and was moved to the New Forest Owl and Otter Centre near Marchwood, Hampshire.

She has been paired up with another otter orphan to help prepare both animals to be released back into the wild.

Robert said: "She has a good chance of survival.

"She'll be looked after for between nine months and a year, until she's ready to be released, hopefully near to where she was found."

RSPCA officers advise motorists to slow down on the roads, look out for wildlife and be prepared to brake.

Anyone who finds an otter cub, should make sure that the mother is not around, before trying to catch and contain the animal.

Call the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234999.