A DISTRESSED swan trapped in tangled fishing tackle has been rescued - minutes before drowning.

The female swan was spotted struggling to stay above water on The Flashes near Rilshaw Lane, opposite Lakeside Caravan Park.

Winsford resident Ian Daniells, who works for Lower Moss Wood Wildlife Hospital, rushed to the scene after his wife Elaine received an SOS call from a passer-by at around 11am on Tuesday.

"The swan was drowning because the line was attached all round its body," said Ian. "When it panicked, it was being pulled under the water.

"It was bleeding quite heavily as its feathers had broken off."

Paddle boarders Matt Bernal and Abbie Jones helped Ian to reach the swan and returned afterwards to remove the rest of the line.

"They paddled me round the corner to where the swan was," said Ian. "I pulled her up, she was so exhausted, she didn't fight and collapsed on the board.

"I got the majority of the dacron line off her there.

"The main flight feathers had been ripped and badly damaged on both wings. The left leg was cutting down to the bone. I got her into a swan bag."

Northwich Guardian:

The injured swan was put into a special bag and taken to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre

The swan was taken to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre where vets operated immediately and removed some of the line which had penetrated deep into her leg.

"They phoned me back and said it was a good prognosis. The swan is now on a course of antibiotics.

"We will put her back exactly where we found her. Swans stay together for life and if she's got a partner he will be pining for her. At least this one is safe now."

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Ian praised everyone who helped with the rescue and urged fishermen to raise the alarm if their equipment gets severed.

"Genuine fishermen really get upset when they have to leave something behind," said Ian.

"If fishermen are casting out and their line gets caught in a far branch, it will snap and they can't go out and get it.

"However, if anglers call me, I can arrange for paddle boarders to go out and collect it.

"They do a great job clearing line and any rubbish they spot.

"I love the way this amazing little community is picking up litter.

"The Flashes are our jewel in the crown.

"I have post-traumatic stress disorder and it's absolutely amazing for me to rescue a swan and release it.

"We all enjoy the water. Swans are so graceful, it is up to the locals to look after this area."