A FAMILY of seven swans were rescued after becoming covered in diesel, thought to be leaking into the city's canal.

Two adult swans and five cygnets were pulled from the Worcester and Birmingham Canal near Staples, in the city centre, earlier this month.

The birds were all treated by Wychbold Swan Rescue and the cygnets - which are old enough to leave their parents - have been released back into the wild in a different location.

However, the adult wildfowl remain in care as their home section of canal is still covered by a film of harmful oil.

Jan Harrigan, of Wychbold Swan Rescue, said: "They were smelly and oiled - not too terribly. The cygnets we have since released because at this time of year they leave their parents anyway.

"We tried to take them [the adults] back this week but when we went back, the canal was still oiled. It could kill them if they nest in it.

"We can't put them out until the canal is nice and clean again."

The Environment Agency (EA) is urging householders and business owners in the Ronkswood, Brickfields, Tolladine and Rainbow Hill areas of Worcester to check their oil tanks for leaks.

Dave Throup, of the EA, said: "We are working with the Canal and River Trust to stop diesel and other oils entering the canal, and to trace the source of this oil.

"We are asking business and householders in Worcestershire to check any oil tanks or underground oil pipes on their property to make sure they aren’t leaking, and to make people aware never to pour oil or fuel down the drain."

Over the past few weeks EA officers have dealt with a number of incidents where oil has polluted the canal in the centre of Worcester, impacting a two mile stretch of the waterway.

Investigations suggest the substance is diesel which has been entering the canal via one of its numerous tributaries, many of which have been covered over time and are not easily visible.

Household Recycling Centres will accept small quantities of oil from members of the public, however businesses must have their waste collected by a registered waste carrier.

For more information visit letswasteless.com or gov.uk