Wildlife officers had to rescue a duck at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve after it became entangled in a plastic bottle fastener. An RSPCA officer was called in to catch the duck and remove the plastic after the bird was spotted by the wardens at the reserve.

Wildlife officers had to rescue a duck at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve after it became entangled in a plastic bottle fastener.

An RSPCA officer was called in to catch the duck and remove the plastic after the bird was spotted by the wardens at the reserve.

Animal collection officer Jane Folly managed to catch the duck by luring him close to the shore with food.

She then cut away the plastic from his neck and released him back onto the water.

"It is so important that people take their litter home with them, or dispose of it properly, to prevent injuries to wild animals and birds," she said.

"Luckily, the duck was fairly easy to catch and was unhurt as he seemed to have become entangled quite recently. However, it could have been much worse - remember litter doesn't just look ugly, it can be dangerous and even fatal to wildlife.