Rescuers sprung into action to save eight baby swans that ran into difficulties.

The cygnets were paddling with their parents before getting stranded when the tide went out off the River Swale between Sittingbourne and Faversham.

Sheerness-based Kent Wildlife Rescue Service raced to recover the feathered birds from the “very thick mud” at Conyer Creek with the assistance of local houseboat owners from Swale Marina.

Volunteer Vivien Smith said: “The more they struggled to get out the more they became covered in silt and were very distressed.

“When one cygnet eventually managed to climb up onto the little ramp we’d put in we’d hoped the others woild follow but they didn’t.

“In a desperate attempt to scramble up the slippery sides a few got pushed under the thickening silt and one in particular we feared was lost.

Using a wooden plank, five eventually got out and were taken to safety by the parent swans.

The remaining cygnets continued to struggle and with the tide not set to come in for another six to seven hours and their parents in distress and “hissing” a daring attempt to save them was made.

She added: “We dragged out the remaining three using a pole to hook them and they were hosed down and two were carried around to the far bank where their concerned parents were waiting for them."

The one the group were concerned had been lost in the mud was rushed to the charity’s centre where it received care overnight.

It was feared it had swallowed too much mud while trying to escape as it appeared “sick and exhausted” but the group says it since made a full recovery and has been returned to its family.

She added: “The swans are very well known so people were very concerned and greatful as people follow them everywhere.

“The houseboat owners were wonderful and the swans are lucky to have them watching over them.”