Anglers have been urged to take extra care after a swan entangled with wire and barbed hooks was found by Didcot volunteer Wendy Hermon on the Thames at Culham.

The swan was only minutes from death when the Swan Lifeline volunteer arrived at Culham weir pools after being alerted by the lockkeeper about the plight of the bird.

Wendy Hermon

With the help of a man in a boat, the bird was removed from the water and taken to a vet. The fishing line had wrapped around the bird's body as it tried to get free. A three-barbed hook had embedded itself in its beak and another had pierced its leg.

Mrs Hermon, of Foxhall Road, Didcot, said: "Fortunately, I got to her in time. It was one of the worst examples I have seen.

"I urge anglers to take extreme caution when casting their lines. If they do catch a swan they should snip their line and report the incident as soon as possible so that the bird can be helped."

The swan has made a complete recovery and has been returned to the river to find her mate and cygnets.

Mrs Harmon covers much of Oxfordshire for the national charity Swan Lifeline, which can be contacted on 01753 859397.

**Picture: David Fleming