A YOUNG swan has cheated death after being hit by a passing train.

Thomas was rescued from the railway line between Taunton and Bridgwater by volunteers at Secret World Wildlife Rescue after being hit by a passing train. 

The injured swan was brought in to Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery. 

A spokesman for Secret World Wildlife Rescue, said: "We received a call about a distressed swan on the railway tracks and volunteer response driver Graeme Thompson headed to the scene.

"He found the swan sitting beside the track on the grass verge.

"Graeme had to wait for a rail engineer to come from Bristol before he could get to the swan, however shortly after he arrived Thomas moved from the embankment into a nearby garden."

Graeme worked with the homeowner and managed to get into the garden and rescue Thomas. 

He was taken to the charity's hospital in East Huntspill where he was found to have a bruise to his carpel joint.

Animal carers gave Thomas treatment and he is recovering well. 

Laura Benfield, head of animal care services at Secret World, said: “Thanks to Graeme this story has a happy ending and Thomas is doing well.

"He is resting at our centre and as soon as he is strong enough he will be released.

"Graeme has had training in rescuing swans so was well prepared to attend the emergency call.

"If any member of the public sees a swan in distress we urge them not to approach it, but to call us for advice.”

In 2017, the animal rescue charity treated 72 swans, all suffering from various injuries.

These included Solo the cygnet who lost his entire family in an accident, and Serendipity who was found alone in the middle of a road.

If you see an animal in distress or would like more information about how to care for injured animals call 01278 783250.