Malmesbury firefighters rescued a swan caught up in fishing wire in the River Avon around 8pm last Friday.

Malmesbury police alerted the fire crew to the problem.

Chief firefighter, Wayne Jones, said: "The swan had become entangled in fishing line and had a hook embedded in its side. The line was wrapped around its legs and wings. The bird was clearly in distress and couldn't move. Two of our crew in dry suits managed to untangle the bird. Removing the wire wasn't difficult but we had to keep the swan calm. It took us 30 minutes to coerce him into a corner by the weir, where his movement was restricted.

"Once it was untangled the swan took off, joined his partner and seemed none the worse for wear.

"This is the second time in the last 12 months we have had to untangle a swan from the river. We have a dozen or so swans that use that area of the river. I would therefore appeal to fishermen to take more care when discarding their fishing lines and hooks, because swans use that area."

As for the heroics of the firemen, Mr Jones said: "Our job is to save all forms of life. It is always rewarding to do this kind of work."