Images from the British countryside do not come more striking than a pair of swans swimming down a river, especially if there are some grey fluffy cygnets in tow.

However, if wildlife rescue charity Secret World has been called out, the picture is not normally that peaceful.

This year, the East Huntspill rescue centre has been called out to a large number of swans suffering injuries after becoming entangled in discarded fishing tackle.

Secret World says a minority of anglers are leaving hooks, line and weights in and around the water.

Once an injured swan is back at Secret World, the aim is to rehabilitate it before its release back to where it came – and because swans pair for life, they often find its partner waiting.

Secret World is the only 24/7 wildlife rescue centre in the South West. Every year it cares for about 4,000 sick, injured and orphaned wildlife animals, always with the aim of releasing back into the wild.

To find out more, email enquiries@secret world.org and request a newsletter or visit www.thisischeddarvalley.co.uk for a web link.