FEEDING swans during the big freeze could end up subjecting them to danger, warns a concerned swan lover.

Edward Bird from the Swan Study Group has asked people to take care when feeding the birds during icy conditions.

His warning came after swans were surrounded by ice at the Commandery lock on the Birmingham to Worcester Canal on New Year's Day

"Bread was thrown on to the ice rather than on to the area of water kept free of ice by the swans, which caused some problems," said Mr Bird.

"The swans were encouraged to leave the water and risk injury from dogs and foxes crossing the frozen canal, as well as leg injuries from slipping on the ice."

The Swan Study Group in Worcestershire has been involved in researching the movement and lives of swans since the early 80s.

Sadly, lack of funds and problems in keeping track of of rescue birds, study work of the group has now ceased but it still helps the Swan Rescue Centre at Wychbold.