Engineers taught to tackle swans as number of birds landing on train tracks goes up

Network Rail is training specialist engineers to deal with a surprising problem on our region's railways - swans on the line.

The birds mistake the railway for rivers in hot or wet weather, landing on the lines, injuring themselves.

Recent incidents in Surrey and Berkshire have led to lengthy delays.

Network Rail's emergency response teams are being trained to deal with the animal, in the hope a quick reaction will cut delays.

Engineers are taught how to pick up the birds without hurting themselves or the animals.

Engineers are sent to the Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton to learn how best to deal with the animals.