AN APPEAL has been launched to feed an unprecedented number of swans nesting at the Causeway, Freshwater.

Around 24 swans are now living on the river and there are fears some may starve without more people helping to feed them.

Jenny and Roger Crates, of Copse Lane, have looked after and fed the swans there for the last 12 years.

Jenny said: "We normally have the two older swans, who we call mum and dad, with their cygnets, but this year they have been joined by so many others. The numbers are absolutely unprecedented.

"We think some may have come back, having been born there, and others possibly because they know they will be fed as they are starving.

"We normally feed them swan pellets, which can be bought online or from Freshwater Pet Store, and also farmhouse wholemeal brown bread from the Co-op.

"Some people will just break off little bits of bread at a time, but that's not the right way to feed them. We prepare the bread beforehand and throw out lots at once, so all the swans get something to eat.

"Unfortunately, with these numbers on the river, it is costing us a lot of money, so we need help to keep them alive and healthy.

"We are also considering contacting the authorities about declaring this part of the river a wildlife sanctuary because there are so many bird species there."