An off-duty vet sprung into action when he saw a young swan fighting for its life after getting trapped in discarded fishing tackle at a Cumbrian beauty spot.

Jonathan Lomax, who works for Craig Robinson Vets in Carlisle, believes the swan would've died had it been left to fend for itself in Talkin Tarn, near Brampton.

Thanks to Jonathan's heroics, with the help of several other people along the way, the swan is expected to make a full recovery and there is hope it can be returned to the wild in the next couple of days.

Mr Lomax, 53, from Faugh, near Brampton, was enjoying an afternoon stroll around the tarn with wife Lorraine last Tuesday when he spotted the swan "spinning around" in the water and saw its neck was oddly positioned.

"I went down to the water's edge and had a closer look and it was obvious it was entangled and couldn't straighten its neck, it was obvious it was in discomfort," he told the News & Star .

"I figured if I had any chance of rescuing it I would need a boat. I ran around to the cafe and boathouse in case I could find someone."

Mr Lomax managed to find a lady who was just about to go out on the tarn in her rowing boat to practice. She offered to take him out on a two-seated boat to rescue the swan.

They managed to usher the bird out towards the edge of water and Lorraine and a passing dog walker managed to get the swan out safely to the shore.

On closer inspection the swan appeared to have got some bait, which looked like a fish, into its mouth with the line and various hooks attached to it going down its throat and into the body.
The swan being helped

Mr Lomax took the swan to the Rosehill-based surgery where he works, and anaesthetised it so they could start to remove the bits stuck in its mouth.

Some came out easily, while others were much harder, but they managed to rid the swan's mouth of the rogue fishing bits.

X-rays were taken of its stomach and they found more hooks had got stuck inside.

"We didn't think they were going to come out but with a bit of time we did it," Mr Lomax added.

Afterwards it was taken to Knoxwood wildlife rescue centre, near Wigton, where its recovery has continued.

"This bird without doubt would've died," Mr Lomax continued.

"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."

Mr Lomax has told the story of the rescue in a bid to remind people to be extra careful when out fishing, in terms of making sure items are not intentionally or unintentionally discarded.

"People have to realise the very serious and cruel consequences that nylon and metal can have on wildlife," he said.

A Carlisle City Council spokeswoman said: “We would like to thank everyone involved in rescuing and treating the injured swan.

"Thankfully, on this occasion, the outcome was positive one. However, it could have proved very different for the swan without the quick action taken.

“We would like to remind anglers using Talkin Tarn, or indeed any body of water, that when monofilament fishing line and hooks are carelessly discarded it can be fatal to wildlife. Anglers should never discard fishing lines, hooks or bait. Please always dispose of your litter responsibly.”