VETS have been working around the clock to save the lives of Warrington's oil-hit swans.

About 30 birds were affected when hundreds of litres of oil from a blazing tanker leaked into the River Mersey last Thursday.

The spillage left many of the birds in danger, but after battling throughout the weekend, experts are hopeful that none of the swans will die.

RSPCA vet Andrew Routh said: "We have had 25 swans brought in to our hospital near Nantwich.

"We have tried to stabilise the birds by introducing medication through stomach tubes."

Borough council rangers and volunteers have also been working hard over the weekend, trying to catch the rest of the oil-covered birds.

A second surge of oil into the river brought fresh problems for the rescue team, but the use of booms and sucking equipment has helped to limit the damage.

Head ranger, Nick White said that yesterday, Monday, there were still 12 swans on the river at Howley weir and that bad weather was hampering the rescue mission.

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