After being shot and having his wing amputated, animal rescuers feared the worst for Charlie the drake.

But throughout his ordeal he has proved he really is a tough old bird.

He could even become something of a celebrity when he returns home because of his unique new look.

Staff at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton, near Chichester, called in experts after noticing the male mallard looking a bit poorly.

When Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service (Wadars) went to check on Charlie, they discovered he had a very badly broken wing.

He was taken to Grove Lodge Veterinary Surgery in Worthing where it was decided he needed to have his wing amputated after an x-ray showed he had been shot.

Senior animal rescue officer Billy Elliott said: “His wing was badly broken.

“Our aim is normally to treat animals and return them to the wild.

“But in this case the museum was his home.

“The wing was amputated and they left a bit of shot inside him because it wasn't doing any further harm.

“We want people to know that this is exceptional. It is only because of Charlie's special circumstances that we would consider removing a wing.

“We couldn't have done this to a wild duck because a one-winged duck wouldn't survive in the wild.

“But it is like he's got his own private home.”

Charlie will spend the next couple of weeks at the Brent Lodge Bird and Wildlife Trust near Chichester until his skin heals. He will then be going back to the museum.

Mr Elliott added: “He seems happy with a very good quality of life, so we've given him the chance.

“If he hadn't had a home like that he would have had to be put to sleep to avoid any further suffering.

“Charlie the Drake is a bit of a celebrity, so I'm sure all the museum staff and visitors will look after him.

“Being a bit different, he'll be the star attraction.”