A swan that almost died after getting trapped in fishing tackle at a beauty spot in Cumbria has been returned to the wild after being nursed back to full health.

The animal's life was saved thanks to the efforts of Carlisle-based vet Jonathan Lomax, who sprung into action last week when he saw the bird in difficulty at Talkin Tarn, near Brampton.

He, along with some volunteers around at the time, put together an impromptu rescue mission and managed to get the swan out of the water.

Mr Lomax, who works at Craig Robinson Vets, took the swan back to his surgery and untangled it before removing dangerous hooks from inside its mouth and body.

It was touch and go whether it would survive but thanks to Mr Lomax's efforts and the rehabilitation work of Knoxwood wildlife rescue the swan has now been returned to the tarn.

This bird without doubt would've died," Mr Lomax previously told the News & Star .

"It wouldn't have been able to eat anything, it would've starved to death. It was a good job there was a vet walking past on his day off."

On Monday Mr Lomax was able to collect the swan from the rescue centre near Wigton and take it back to the tarn to be reunited with its family.

Upon setting the bird free Mr Lomax said: "I would like to thank Knoxwood.

"I did the surgery but they provided the accommodation, expertise, nutrition and rehab to get it back to full strength.

"I want to thank them for their charitable work, it was Emma Scott and George Scott who have done the work."

Mr Lomax added that he was worried the hooks and fishing line might have done irreparable damage but according to Knoxwood the swan is eating well and was back to being lively.