A SWAN that was nursed back to health by an animal sanctuary two years ago is again fighting for its life after being shot on the banks of a reservoir.

Sam the swan is back in care at Weardale Animal Sanctuary after being shot just below the eye with an air rifle pellet.

Sally Rowley, who runs the animal sanctuary, said: "She's left disabled at the moment. Her eyes are swollen and we are just hoping it doesn't lodge anywhere else.

"Whether she gets through it is another story. She is in danger, but she's battling for her life."

In 2003, Sam was found in a poor condition near Tunstall Reservoir, in Wolsingham, County Durham, and brought into the animal sanctuary.

After several months of care, she was released back into the countryside along with another swan called Suzie.

Mrs Rowley said: "It's two years this Christmas since Sam came in. We put her out because we thought it was safe."

The swan is on a course of antibiotics and Mrs Rowley said that the next few days would determine whether Sam would survive.

She added that Sam may need to be put down if the pain caused by the pellet is unbearable.

Mrs Rowley said she did not know who would want to shoot a swan, but added: "I think it's just young lads, or somebody wanting target practice, but it's not on. We just hope she pulls through."

Anybody who has seen people with air rifles near Tunstall Bank is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 0845 60 60 365.