A 'SWASHDUCKLING' hero has come to the rescue of a stricken mallard on the River Kent in Kendal.

The bird was first mentioned in The Westmorland Gazette in August after concerned bird lovers noticed a fisherman's line and float had become badly tangled around its leg.

Sandra Gradwell, of Aikrigg Avenue, was one of many people who took pity on the lame duck's plight, visiting the riverside with her Border Collie, Milo, or on her way to work, to make a special effort to feed the unfortunate fowl.

Mrs Gradwell has now noticed the offending fishing gear had vanished from the bird's leg.

"I know various people have tried to catch it and take it off," she said.

"Obviously somebody has managed it which is good for the duck.

The leg looks useless, it just sort of wafts about behind it - that is how I knew it was the same duck.

But it is managing to swim and move about."

Kevin Hegarty, from the RSPCA, said there had been many calls about the duck and inspectors had made repeated but fruitless attempts to catch it.

The identity of the rescuer remains a mystery, but Mrs Gradwell said she would continue her visits to the river to keep a close eye on the duck.