Anglers are being reminded to be careful when getting rid of unwanted fishing equipment after a seagull ended up with a hook stuck in its throat.

A Great Black Backed Gull was found in Hastings and taken to the nearby RSPCA Mallydams Wood wildlife centre.

An X-ray revealed the bird’s injury, but no long-term damage had been done and staff were able to nurse him back to health.

The gull has now been released back into the wild.

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Centre co-ordinator Richard Thompson said: “It’s horrible to see the extent of the damage a carelessly discarded bit of litter can do.

“This poor bird had the hook completely jammed in its throat and would not have survived had he not been brought to us.

“Of course, most anglers are extremely responsible and dispose of their litter properly.

“But all it takes is one person who does not think before they throw fishing litter aside and an animal’s life is in danger.”

Every year, hundreds of animals come into RSPCA centres with serious and often fatal injuries caused by fishing tackle which has not been properly disposed of.

Line wraps around necks causing deep wounds in flesh, hooks pierce beaks and weights are swallowed causing blockages.

RSPCA tips include taking unwanted fishing line home and cutting it into pieces