Two rowers saved a young swan from drowning in a river.

The rowers were on the River Ouse in Lewes on Wednesday evening when they saw the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) trying to help the animal.

The swan, which was first discovered by the river near the Lewes Tesco site, was unable to lift its head or move its legs after becoming stuck in a fishing line.

This was causing the swan to be repeatedly submerged underwater, with fears it could drown before being rescued.

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Although the rescue service had help on the way with a boat and water rescue equipment, the two men rowing helped to guide the swan towards the river bank.

The rescuers were then able to use a swan hook to secure it and untangle the line from around its neck and body.

On the riverbank, rescuers saw that the fishing hook had also become stuck in the swan's cheek, with more of it wrapped around its jaw, tongue, legs and wings multiple times.

It was taken to the rescue centre for further care and treatment.

Trevor Weeks, founder of WRAS, said: "The light colour of the line made it challenging to see its direction.

"It was important not to tug on the line hastily as there could have been another hook hidden somewhere.

"Unfortunately, the swan had line tightly wrapped round one of its legs which was too difficult to remove out on site.

"The swan would need admission to ensure a ligature wound did not develop.

“This was one of the worst entangled swans I have encountered in my 39 years of wildlife rescue work.

"We extend our gratitude to the two rowers for their help in saving the swan's life, as their swift action saved the swan from further distress and saved valuable time.”

More information about the rescue centre can be found at https://wildlifeambulance.org/.

This rescue comes just days after the charity said it needed thousands of pounds to continue saving wildlife.

The founder said the centre in Whitesmith, near Lewes, is experiencing one of its busiest years yet, with over 4,200 cases handled so far since the start of the year.

This is more than the total number of rescues completed in 2019.