An animal rescue team has been working to reunite a swan family which have become separated.

The mum and three cygnets are stuck on one side of a bridge near the Millers Arms on the River Stour, Canterbury, with the dad and four more youngsters on the other.

The team has been trying to guide the mother and three cygnets under the bridge to the dad and the four other youngsters on the side near St Radigund’s car park.

Workers tried to entice the mum with food so they can guide them through with a hook and net.

A number of attempts have been unsuccessful so far - with the mum and her cygnets venturing upstream.

The situation is likely causing the birds great distress as swans mate for life.

Dr Ray Allibone from Swampy's Wildlife Rescue, the group conducting the rescue, said: "A signet got itself trapped in the lock system and couldn't get out. It was literally stuck there.

"We were able to net it and put it with the dad and the rest of the signets on the other side.

"Hopefully we can get mum and the rest of the signets to follow. The signet who got stuck is fine."

The rescue team left the scene at about 2.15pm to "leave them to their own devices" and the family remain separated.