A swan has been safely returned to water after taking a tumble down a Macclesfield manhole.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Stephen Wickham was called to a private property in Langley Hall Close, Langley yesterday morning (Wednesday 27 December) after the charity had been alerted by the homeowner.

The male swan had fallen about four feet (1.2 metres) into the disused hole after the wind had blown off a temporary wooden cover - but he was unable to get back out by himself. 

Specialist wildlife officer Stephen was able to reach down and pull him back up to safety before the bird was checked over and re-released onto a lake in the grounds of the property.

The unnamed swan pre-rescue.

"Luckily he hadn't landed awkwardly and injured himself and I was able to return him to the water safe and sound," said Stephen.

"He was stuck fast and the homeowner did exactly the right thing by calling us. We don't advise members of the public to try to rescue, handle or transport swans themselves as they can be aggressive to people when stressed or injured.    

"I've rescued these birds from a variety of holes over the years and you never quite know what you're going to find at the bottom - sometimes the floor isn't solid and there can be connecting pipes and chambers, so they can present a risk to humans as well as to animals."

For information and advice about what to do if you find a trapped or injured wild animal visit the RSPCA's website.

This year the animal welfare charity is asking supporters to Join the Christmas Rescue and help its rescue teams who are out on the road this festive season.

If you want to donate to the RSPCA, please click HERE.

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