VOLUNTEERS have found a knife and a needle while cleaning up the riverbank near a sanctuary for swans. 

A team of eight volunteers set out to clean the steps in Worcester's Swan Sanctuary found a number of dangerous items, including a knife and a needle. 

The shocked team from The Swan Food Project removed the items from the area. 

(Image: The Swan Food Project)

A spokesperson for The Swan Food Project, said: "Many hands made light work last week when eight of us got together to give the steps a thorough clean.

"We'll meet again on October 8 between 2pm and 4.30pm.

"It's better for everyone to have that knife and needle removed - a handy reminder for all you lovely people who like to collect litter when out and about to wear gloves and not reach into places you cannot see properly."

The Swan Sanctuary is a section of the river Severn which is opposite Worcester Cathedral where volunteers regularly feed the birds.