Animal rescuer Mel James is even considering asking the Queen to step in to save her father from a swan that will not leave him alone.

Mel, of the Ani-Mel Haven at Bank Mill Nurseries has just launched an appeal to help her feed her growing collection of rescue animals during the winter.

In the meantime, though, she has to deal with Blossom who has eyes only for nursery owner Bill James.

When Blossom came to stay at Ani-Mel's at Bank Mill Nurseries in Mawbray Mel thought he was female and named him Blossom. The name has stuck.

Blossom developed a close friendship with another swan, Syd, and was heartbroken Syd died.

He was totally lost and alone for over 12 months until he latched on to Bill.

Bill is now the chosen one and if he is not around, the swan will search the premises, even going into the house, the cafe and onto the beach searching for him.

"Dad went away for a few days and we even had to fence the pond in case Blossom went wandering off looking for him," Mel said.

"We've tried and tried to find Bossom another mate but up to date had no success. Swan sanctuaries maintain they are a protected bird meaning they can't be moved on to another sanctuary. We've even thought about writing directly to the Queen! 😂

"So until a more mature female can be found hopefully leading to another swan match made in heaven, poor old Blossom, who Mum calls Bossom, because it is more manly, will just continue to have eyes only for Dad. "

Life is happier for two other swans in the collection. Mel rescued an injured swan from Maryport and another found lying in the road at Allonby. She nursed them back to health and gave the every opportunity to leave but neither did - and now they have formed their own love match, leaving Blossom playing gooseberry when Bill, the love of his life, is not around.

Mel's animal sanctuary runs purely on donations.

With the huge increase in food, energy and vet bills, storm damage, road closures and the drop in visitors during the cold weather, not to mention the increase of weather related casualties which brings more animals to her door, she struggles to fund her sanctuary.

"Any donation, however large or small, would be appreciated," she said.

To help these rescued animals follow the link on the Ani-Mel Haven Facebook page.