THE RSPCA has asked anglers to clear up after themselves after firefighters had to rescue a bird tangled in a fishing line.

The charity called firefighters to free the Great Crested Grebe, which was caught on some fishing line tangled around a tree, at Oxlease Lake, Standlake, on Saturday.

RSPCA inspector Andy Eddy said: “The fire service put a ‘sled’ in the water and two officers in dry suits managed to cut the line and retrieve the Grebe. The injuries turned out to be minor, so I was able to take the bird straight back to where it was rescued and release it that same day.”

He said to avoid incidents such as this, anglers are asked to take unwanted fishing line home and cut it into small pieces before putting it in the bin.

Last week the Oxford Mail revealed animal rescues by friefighters cost £33,000 over three years.