ANIMAL lover Robert Simpson swam in vain across a canal fully-clothed in a brave attempt to save a helpless heron (writes Louise Tansey).
The 44-year-old council refuse tip attendant jumped into the canal near Leigh Bridge, after spotting the injured bird while on a towpath dog walk.
Robert, of Youd Street, Leigh was exercising his dogs, Sammy and Daisy (pictured), when he spotted the heron struggling with its head stuck in wire fencing.
He bravely plunged in to the water in a bid to rescue the bird from the opposite banking.
Then, dripping wet he tucked the bird under his arm and walked to Maddrell, Buxton and Taylor's veterinary surgery in nearby St. Helens Road. Unfortunately the heron was so badly hurt that he had to put to sleep later that day.
Robert said: "I love animals more than I do people, and I don't like people being cruel to animals and I can't bear to see them in distress - I'd hate to think my dogs were in that situation."
The canal rescue was witnessed by William Steele of Navigation Close, Leigh who helped free the bird.
Mr. Steele praised Robert's bravery:"He deserves a medal for what he did. He jumped in the canal with all his clothes on, crossed to the heron, tucked the bird under his arm and swam back. Then, soaking wet he went off to the vets with it."
A vets' spokesman said:"Unfortunately the heron had to be put to sleep because the injuries to his windpipe were so severe. Birds must be fully fit before they can be let back into the wild - they have to be 100% so they have a chance of surviving. There was no way it would have managed."
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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