A SPA pensioner had a nasty shock when a fishing hook became embedded in his leg - at a spot where angling is banned.

Hilde Oestrecher feeds the ducks at Vines Park everyday but on Monday she was forced to limp to her doctors for treatment when a hook and line, hidden in the grass, became stuck in her ankle.

Medics spent more than an hour removing the sharp hook

The 87-year-old, from Kingfisher Court, told the Advertiser: "It was very painful but fortunately I was able to receive treatment quickly.

"I'm more worried about wildlife at the park being injured and suffering without help.

"Little children could also be hurt."

Wychavon District Council is responsible for the site.

The authority's client services manager, Sharon Casswell, said: "Fishing is not allowed in Vines Park and there are signs which state this."

The council now plans to erect further warning signs

Sharon added: "We are concerned about the incident and would like to make people aware of the consequences to animals and people of fishing in a prohibited area.

"There are places where people can fish safely in Droitwich Spa."

To find out more, call (01905) 779300.

The conservation manager at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, at Smite, near Droitwich, Andrew Fraser, said all types of litter is a danger to local wildlife.

But he was particularly concerned about hooks and line left by anglers.

He told the Advertiser: "Line can tangle around the body, injuring limbs and preventing birds from flying. It has the potential to kill.

"Hooks become embedded in animal's bodies and with birds, hooks are often found in the beak or down the throat.

"I urge all anglers to consider water life wherever they are fishing -- please take your litter home."