YOUNG anglers are being warned to be more careful with their lines for fear swans in a park get strangled.

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

She plunged into the River Wear at Chester-le-Street on Sunday armed with a pair of kitchen scissors to snip the lines.

Mrs Charlton is horrified that young lads are fishing without permits and endangering the lives of the swans and cygnets on the waterway by not clearing up their equipment when they have finished.

Mrs Charlton, who is in her mid-fifties, said: "It would be like a hanging device if they were to get caught in the fishing line because they would struggle and end up garrotting themselves.

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

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

Anyone wanting to fish the River 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 a 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."