A TRADITION dating back centuries returns to Oxfordshire this week as a royal team tally the River Thames' swan population.

Wearing their distinctive red coats, the Queen's royal swan uppers will be in Abingdon on Friday as part of the annual count on the river between Sunbury Lock and the town.

The Queen's Swan Marker David Barber said: "Last year saw a significant improvement in cygnet numbers compared to the last two years, with a total of 132 new cygnets on the River Thames.

"This uplift was welcomed after an outbreak of Avian Influenza at the start of the year. Floods and fast flowing water in April posed a further challenge - however some breeding pairs have now successfully rebuilt their nests."

He added: "Throughout the year we have been delighted that members of the public have kept a watchful eye on so many of the nesting swans. It is encouraging to see how important the welfare of swans and their young cygnets are to so many people."

The Swan Uppers weigh and measure the cygnets and check them for any signs of injury, commonly caused by fishing hooks and line.

They will be in Oxfordshire on Friday, heading off from Moulsford at 9am, rowing into Abingdon at around 5pm.