Specialists had to mount a rescue mission when a disorientated swan became trapped at an electricity substation and found itself unable to escape.

UK Power Networks, which operates the substation near Broad Oak Road, Canterbury, says experts from The Swan Sanctuary were called after the distressed bird was spotted pacing around by workers.

Engineers had previously spotted two swans on site a few days before, but one was unable to find its way out.

Dave King, a project supervisor at the power firm who had to safely escort the rescuers through the site, said: "In my 33 years of work with the company, I have never come across this before.

"We are grateful to the Swan Sanctuary who were excellent and very caring. It was great to work together on this rescue.”

Paul Kermode, a member of the UK Power Networks capital programme team, added: "The Swan Sanctuary offered immediate assistance and a visit from a member of their team was arranged the following morning."

"The swan was safely captured and released back into its natural habitat.

"The sanctuary believes its mate will have remained in the area and they will be reunited."

The Shepperton-based wildlife welfare group attended the scene and was able to bait the swan using food before releasing the animal back into its home, a lake adjacent to the substation.

Steve Knight, a trustee of the Swan Sanctuary, explained what caused the swan to become trapped.

"Waterfowl go to ground when distressed, staying still to conserve energy so they have less chance of being seen," he said.

"Without intervention, the swan could have been there a long time. There was no food there.

"The substation backs onto a nature reserve and we were able to put the swan straight into there."

Anyone who finds a swan in distress is urged to ring The Swan Sanctuary on 01932 240790.