A RESCUE mission was mounted in Stourport after a duck was caught in discarded fishing line.

Residents, an RSPCA inspector and firefighters from the town’s fire station were at the scene by the canal off Gilgal at about 8.30pm last night.

Neil Tysall, RSPCA inspector, said the duck was effectively tethered to a branch and could not free itself.

He explained that he had tried to reach it from the opposite bank but even his longest pole was 6ft short.

He called Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service for assistance and firefighters were later able to reach the duck down a steep bank.

Mr Tysall said the duck was a female mallard, otherwise in good health, and was released immediately.

He added that discarded fishing lines caused injury and death to thousands of wild animals each year.

He explained that the RSPCA urged anglers to follow codes of practice issued by responsible angling organisations to minimise risk.

Mr Tysall said: "This duck had a narrow escape but others are not so lucky - they may be out of sight and suffer a lingering death from starvation, infection or attack by predators.

"We are grateful for the help of the fire service and would urge any members of the public who spot an animal in distress to call us on 0300 123 4999."