A clean-up operation on over 20 swans is underway at a Pembrokeshire sanctuary after their lake became contaminated with vegetable oil.

The birds faced death from hypothermia or drowning after their natural waterproofing was damaged by the oil, which had leaked from a food company's tank near the lake in Swansea.

They have now been taken by the RSPCA to the Tinkers Hill rescue centre at Amroth, where Maria Evans is beginning the task of cleaning the birds.

"I've washed swans after the Sea Empress disaster and the oil leak at Hazelbeach, but this is the first time I've had to remove vegetable oil," said Maria. "I'm using a industrial hand cleanser made of natural products called Tuff Stuff, and it seems to be doing the trick, although washing a swan is not a quick process."

In fact, it takes five hours to cleanse a single bird, and each then has to spend 48 hours under a heat lamp before the operation is complete.

Added Maria: "The job looked set to take forever, as I could only dry two swans at a time. But thanks to road contractors Costain, I've been lent a splendid portable building where six swans can be dried together. This will really make a difference, and I'm hoping by the time I've finished, the lake will be fit for them to be returned."

The company - principal contractors for the A40 Robeston Wathen by-pass - has delivered the portable building to Tinkers Hill and will lend it to Maria for as long as it is needed. Said Costain public liaison officer, Phil Baker: "We are really pleased to be able to work within the community and help Maria in her hour of need."