A veterinary centre in Lancashire and an RSPCA animal rescue officer worked together to save the life of a swan just ‘millimetres’ away from death after a fishing hook became stuck in its neck.

The bird was struggling for breath when it was rescued from Capesthorne Hall in Macclesfield and it was swiftly transferred to The Veterinary Health Centre Ltd in Lytham St Annes, where vet Siuna Reid successfully removed the hook and a short section of fishing line.

The hook had pierced the swan’s neck and caused a ring of swelling which had nearly blocked his trachea.

Lancashire Telegraph: The swan was taken from its lake in Macclesfield to Lytham St Anne'sThe swan was taken from its lake in Macclesfield to Lytham St Anne's (Image: RSPCA)

It is thought fishing bailiffs had been trying to catch the swan – who lives on the lake with his mate and two cygnets – for about three weeks before he was finally caught by RSPCA officer Sonia Hulme on June 13.

Nearly 50 per cent (1,510) of all litter-related calls to the animal welfare charity last year were about animals that had specifically become caught in fishing litter.

Sonia said: “The skin where the hook had pierced the swan’s neck had started to heal over so we think this poor bird had been struggling like this for several weeks.

Lancashire Telegraph: The x-ray shows how deeply embedded the hook was in the swan's neckThe x-ray shows how deeply embedded the hook was in the swan's neck (Image: RSPCA)

“He sounded really wheezy and was struggling to breath. The ring of swelling on the x-ray was caused by his body trying to expel the hook. If he hadn’t been caught, this would have got worse as it was just millimetres away from blocking his airway.

“I’m so grateful to the team at The Veterinary Health Centre Ltd for admitting him and operating so quickly. Time is of the essence when adult swans have got cygnets, so it was wonderful to be able to reunite him with his family, safe and well, that evening.

Lancashire Telegraph: The swan's neck before and after the hook was removedThe swan's neck before and after the hook was removed (Image: RSPCA)

“Although most anglers are responsible and do clean up after themselves, fishing litter is still a major problem and it can be so damaging to wildlife. Carelessly discarded fishing line, hooks, and netting can cause terrible injuries, as this incident illustrates, and water birds and particularly vulnerable.

“We strongly urge those who enjoy fishing to be extra cautious to make sure nothing is left behind. It only takes one piece of snagged line to get caught in a tree or dropped near the water to cause potential catastrophe for wildlife.”