An RSPCA animal rescuer had to dive across the water to save an injured swan with a fishing hook embedded in his leg.

The animal welfare charity was called to help after a member of the public spotted the distressed male swan at Astbury Mere nature reserve in Congleton.

Animal Welfare Officer Steve Wickham previously attended the scene but was unable to entice the swan towards him so returned on Tuesday (May 26) with a water rescue boat.

He steered the boat close to the injured swan on the lake and Animal Collection Officer (ACO) Lauren Bradshaw was trying to use a specialist pole to safely grab the bird - but he kept escaping.

In the end, Lauren had to jump off the boat, run through the water and dive for the swan to rescue him.

The swan had a fishing hook through his leg - which Lauren was unable to move - and was taken to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, near Nantwich, for treatment.

Once he has recovered he will be released back into the area where his female mate is currently sitting on a nest.

The RSPCA said this incident serves as a reminder for people to make sure they dispose of fishing litter properly and on Monday (June 1) Steve was called to two other similar incidents involving fishing litter.

He rescued a swan from Longsight Park, in Bolton, with fishing line trapped down his mouth and in his throat and also a gosling from Doffcocker Lodge nature reserve, in Bolton, entangled in fishing line which was cutting into him.

Both these birds were also taken to Stapeley Grange for treatment. The swan (pictured below) is recovering well and will be released back into the wild but the gosling was so badly injured a vet decided he needed to be put to sleep to end his suffering.

Steve said: "This is a reminder of how damaging discarded fishing litter can be for wildlife. The majority of anglers do dispose of their litter properly and it is frustrating that those who don't possibly don't realise how dangerous it is to animals.

"As can be seen here with these three incidents in just a few days, discarded line and hooks can be a terrible hazard for wildlife. In all these cases the bird's predicament was spotted and we were able to rescue them - but sadly the gosling was so badly injured he had to be put to sleep.

"The swan at Congleton was proving difficult to catch but luckily Lauren was able to get into the water and dived for the bird to rescue him.

"We urge all anglers to take home any litter after fishing - as discarded lines and hooks can easily snag water birds and other wildlife, causing terrible injuries and suffering that can lead to animals dying. All it takes is a little thought and care."

Adam Grogan, anti-litter campaign manager for the RSPCA, said: "We strongly urge those who enjoy fishing to be extra cautious to make sure nothing is left behind. Most anglers are very responsible when disposing of their litter, but it only takes one careless person to endanger the life of an animal.

"We ask all those who enjoy fishing to follow the Angling Trust's Take 5 campaign and make use of the recycling scheme to dispose of their waste tackle and line. If members of the public see discarded litter we would encourage them to pick it up and dispose of it safely. Their action could save an animal's life."

To help the RSPCA keep helping animals like these swans, and to keep animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment, and round the clock care through these unprecedented times, please donate whatever you can spare.

A video of the swan rescue can be downloaded here.