THE RSPCA has revealed the number of plastic litter incidents affecting wildlife is at an all-time high.

More than 300 incidents which involve general rubbish have also been reported in the region.

The animal charity said the number of plastic litter incidents in the region averaged at about 26 per year since 2015, and a total of 345 incidents of animals involved with rubbish had been reported over the same period.

The charity said animals had been found entangled with discarded rubbish, some of which included plastic. In some cases, animals were discovered dead as they had outgrown the items of rubbish ‘wrapped’ around them.

Head of wildlife at the RSPCA, Adam Grogan said: “This shocking rise in plastic litter incidents suggests that plastic is a growing threat to animals.

“Every year, the RSPCA deals with increasing numbers of mammals, birds and reptiles that have become entangled or affected in some way by discarded plastic. From seals with deep infected wounds caused by plastic frisbees cutting into their necks, to swans and geese trapped in fishing line or netting, plastic is clearly having an increasing impact on animal welfare.

“Our latest data sadly reflects the wider litter crisis taking place right now across the globe and action is urgently needed – it’s up to every one of us to do our bit in the war against litter.”

Across the country, the number of animals affected by plastic litter was at "an all-time high". The RSPCA said incidents of this type had increased by 22 per cent.