On a wing and a prayer, a mystery black swan has arrived in Ryedale.

Jean Thorpe, of the Ryedale animal rehabilitation centre, with the rare black swan found by the A1 at Wetherby. Picture: Frank Dwyer

The rare bird was found in a state of great confusion on the A1 and is being cared for at the Ryedale animal rehabilitation centre, Norton.

Thought to have its origins in Australia, the swan was recovered by the RSPCA on Monday from the southbound carriageway of the trunk road just south of Wetherby.

No-one knows where the swan is from, how it found its way onto the A1 or who its owners might be, though it is thought the bird is from a private collection.

Jean Thorpe, of the rehabilitation centre, said: "The swan is very well, though it has slightly damaged its foot. This leads us to think it may have walked a long way.

"But I don't think it can have come too far because swans are not great fliers."

Anyone with information should contact Jean Thorpe or David Dunne on 01653 695124 or the RSPCA on 0990 555999.

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