A BABY swan had a lucky escape after getting fishing line tangled around his beak on a lake in St Helens.

The RSPCA was called after the young swan was seen with the fishing litter dangling from his mouth at Taylor Park.

Fortunately the cygnet was untangled by RSPCA officers Steve Wickham and Nick Green.

The creature was later released back to his family after being found to be uninjured.

Steve said: "We managed to catch him and cut away the fishing line. We also carefully felt his throat to make sure there was nothing in there. Thankfully, the cygnet was okay in this instance and he was released."

He added: "However, this does serve as a reminder of how damaging discarded fishing litter can be for wildlife. All it takes is a little thought and care - and an animal could be saved from suffering.

"I carry out many of these type of rescues and not all of the animals involved are as lucky. It isn’t unheard of for a bird to be strangled to death as a result of getting tangled in fishing litter."

Fishermen are asked to take unwanted fishing line home and cut it up before putting it in the bin.

For information about about to dispose of your fishing litter properly, visit rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/litter/fishing.

Anyone who becomes concerned about an animal can call the RSPCA's emergency line on 0300 1234 999.