A PAIR of swans and her young cygnets were rescued from diesel-polluted water in the Worcester and Birmingham canal.

Two crews from Worcester and Droitwich were called to reports of the swan family in trouble on a section of the canal next to Shrub Hill Retail Park, just before 9am on Tuesday, (September 20).

In total two swans, a male and female mating couple, and three cygnets were rescued and moved to the riverside using a raft boat.

The swans have now been taken into the care of Wychbold Swan Rescue, being transferred to its base at Walk Mills Farm.

Jan Harrigan MBE, who has volunteered with the Wychbold Swan Rescue for 40 years, said: "Swans rely on the water for everything, swimming, food and water.

"Imagine drinking diesel and what that does to your insides.

"They will be kept at the swan rescue base for at least a fortnight - we won't know their condition, whether they can survive, for at least a week. Until then they are on antibiotics.

"We want to thank the emergency services for their work rescuing them."

A spokesman for Hereford and Worcester fire and rescue service said: "Crews were called to the canal section at the rear of Staples, to the swans in need of rescue.

"Once rescued the teams assisted the Environment Agency in cleaning the river, using absorbent booms (to soak up the diesel)."

The protected birds - and other waterfowl - are often at risk of drinking water polluted by diesel from boats using canals.

Earlier this year the Worcester News reported on the death of a swan after it consumed diesel-polluted water in the canal, close to Fownes Hotel in the city centre.

If you spot an injured or distressed swan contact Wychbold Swan Rescue on 07786 434793 or 07867 672758.

For more information about the rescue team visit wychboldswanrescue.co.uk