An anxious passer-by contacted Badger and Wildlife Protection – Mid Sussex after seeing the cygnet in a small pond on its own on Sunday September 21.

Anglers and dog walkers also noticed the swan who was trapped in a confined space after being chased off a larger pond by his aggressive father.

Angela Scrivens from Badger and Wildlife Protection – Mid Sussex said: "The cygnet, although capable of flying, was unable to take off as swans need space to build up speed. We contacted Swans and Friends Bird Rescue at Redhill and they arrived with swan capturing equipment."

The cygnet was taken to a pond at Reigate Priory where there are other swans, and he has settled in well.

The Mid Sussex wildlife group run by Angela and Sonya was formed recently and relies on donations to continue its rescue work. The group urgently needs a large net on a pole to add to the equipment it uses to rescue stricken birds and ducks. Call Sonya on 07960 294495.

Read the full story in the Mid Sussex Times