PEOPLE shocked by an attack on swans in Lawn Woods have held a collection in aid of the sanctuary caring for a surviving bird.

The volunteers said the public were so appalled by the cruelty that they dug deep into their pockets to support the South West Swan Sanctuary in Shrivenham Road, which is run by Roger and Sue Hulbert.

A male swan and a duck were shot dead on November 5.

A female swan, the mate of the dead one, was seriously wounded and left guarding her four cygnets.

Linda Shand, 68, of Lawn, and Barbara Collins, 50, of Park South, regularly walk their dogs in the Lawns and say they miss the familiar sight of the swans.

About nine other volunteers took turns to collect money and to raise awareness about the dangers facing wild birds, outside the shops in Guildford Avenue, Lawn, on Saturday.

Linda said: "We are having a very generous response. I admired the way the Sue rescued the bird."

Barbara added: "They were the only swans on the lake, and this has affected a lot of people.

"The swans were part of a way of life and now they have gone."

Damien Penrose, 18, of Bath Road, Old Town, has admitted killing the swan, injuring a second bird, having a loaded air rifle in Lawn Woods without permission and criminal damage. He will be sentenced by Swindon magistrates on December 4.

A 15-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will be sentenced by magistrates on November 26 after admitting similar charges, although not including criminal damage.