Love struck swans reunited after roadside fight

Two love-struck swans from a Shropshire canal who were separated, sparking a bird fight in the middle of a county street, have been reunited and allowed back into the water.

Albert and Mildred, residents of Newport canal, were separated after she was taken to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire for treatment on her foot.

Albert, pining for his partner, went all over Newport looking for her and, in a case of mistaken identity, cosied up to another female swan, Sarah, at Cheney Hill island in the town.

This sparked a feud between Albert and Sarah's partner Louis, and the pair ended up fighting on the B5062 into Edgmond on February 25.

Albert came off worse and was reunited with Mildred at the centre's hospital.

Andrew Smith, from Stapeley, said the pair had now been allowed into the centre's pond.

"They are both doing well now and making good progress," said Mr Smith.

"Albert hurt his foot in the fight but he is walking much better now.

"On Mildred, where we removed the lump on her foot, is looking much better and had healed very well."

Mr Smith added the pair had now been moved outside for the first time.

"It's very clear how much of a pair they are. They love being together."

He added there was no date set for the pair to return to their old home on Newport's canal.