Fishermen are being warned to take their rubbish home with them after a heron was found tangled in fishing wire in Holt.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) called out firefighters from Sheringham to rescue the long-legged bird at Hempstead today (Friday) shortly before 11am.
The heron was taken to the animal charity's East Winch Wildlife Centre to recover.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: 'We were called on Friday to reports of a heron tangled in fishing wire.
'One of our inspectors attended and, with assistance from the fire and rescue service, managed to rescue the bird and take him to the RSPCA's East Winch Wildlife Centre.
'He has been x-rayed, the line has been successfully removed and he is now in recovery.
'This is a reminder of how dangerous discarded fishing litter can be for wildlife.'
The RSPCA urges fishermen to take unwanted fishing line home with them and cut it into piece before disposing of it; not to leave bait unattended - alway remove the hook and put it in a safe place; use a bait box; and dispose of any litter you see, even if it's not yours.
For more information, visit their website: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/litter/fishing
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