Volunteers goto the rescue ofinjured swan

The team were called to a field at Wartling, near Ninfield after the swan was found to be suffering from several deep cuts.

Rescuer Trevor Weeks had to swim across three dykes in order to catch the swan which was then bedded down in a wildlife rescue ambulance and given first aid.

The rescuers effort were hampered due to flooding across the field.

Mr Weeks said: “When I got close to the swan it was in an awkward place for me to get to but an ideal place to try capture. There was only one thing for it and that was to take my jacket and fleece off and swim across the dyke.

“We had to apply a trauma gauze to the lower beak to help stop the bleeding, which had to be taped in place.

“After seeking advice from the Swan Sanctuaries veterinary team we decided to send the swan up to their specialist for assessment.

“But we hope the swan will be suitable for returning to the area once fit and well.”

Wildlife rescue volunteer Chris Riddington added: “I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

“The swan was completely red. There were no white feathers at all, just blood everywhere.”

East Sussex WRAS was established as a voluntary group in 1996, but some of its rescuers have been rescuing since 1985.

The organisation was set up in order to provide a front-line rescue service for wildlife casualties .

Every year between 2-3,000 calls are made to WRAS’s rescue line. Rescuers are all volunteers and are funded by donations from the public.