Swanning around!

An unusual rescue situation unfolded in the town of Belturbet last week when the River Erne's newest additions embarked on an adventure and required shepherding to safety by two local residents.

Aoife Hughes and her father Cahal were enjoying their regular early morning walk when, at the top of Church Street, they encountered a family of swans - two adults, a cob (male) and a pen (female), together with their six grey fluffy baby cygnets.

The feathered family were waddling in the direction of the town's Diamond and Main Street area, a good hundred metres or more away from the safety of the local river bank.

Quick-thinking Aoife and her dad came to the swans' aid, flagging down oncoming traffic and gradually persuading the birds to turn back.

The Belturbet daughter and dad, much to the bemusement of local residents, shepherded the swan family down Mill Hill and past Erne Vale and back towards to the River Erne where the whole family set sail safe and sound.