YOUNG anglers are being warned to be more careful with their lines amid fears that swans in a County Durham park could be strangled.

Berwick Swan and Wildlife Trust volunteer Linda Charlton believes it is only a matter of time before one of the birds is snared.

On Sunday, she dived into the River Wear at Chester-le-Street and used a pair of kitchen scissors to snip discarded lines.

Mrs Charlton said that people are fishing without permits and endangering the lives of the swans and cygnets by not clearing up their equipment when they have finished.

Mrs Charlton said: "It would be like a hanging device if a swan were to get caught in the fishing line because it would struggle and end up garrotting itself.

"Swans need to have plenty of space to fly up the river and spread their wings."

She has urged everyone to clear up after themselves and ensure they have permission.

Anyone wanting to fish on the Wear has to buy a pass from the pavilion at a cost of £2, in conjunction with a licence from the Environment Agency. Under-12s only require the day pass.

A spokesman for Chester-le-Street District Council said: "The council not only hopes to have more control of those fishing in the area, but also to work closely with fishermen to keep the area clean and tidy.

"In the past, hooks and lines have often been left on the riverbank causing problems for wildlife and young children alike who visit the area to feed the ducks and swans."