AN ORPHANED swan whose family tragically died has found a new home and family just in time for Christmas.

Solo the cygnet was brought into Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill just a few weeks ago after a freak accident killed his entire family.

The then cygnet was part of a family of five swans that were landing on the Huntspill River when they were hit by a passing lorry.

The adult swans died instantly and one of the cygnets died as police tried to load them into their vehicle get to get help.

Officers took the two surviving cygnets to Quantock Veterinary Hospital in Bridgwater, but despite being given intensive care, sadly one of them died, leaving Solo as the only survivor.

Luckily his story has a happy ending.

Solo has made a full recovery and has been rehomed with two other cygnets, Grace and Drift, who have become his new family.

Secret World volunteer response drivers, Grahame and Vicki Thompson, released the three swans at Chilton Moor Bridge on South Drain on the Huntspill River where a large flock of birds already reside.

Laura Benfield, Head of Animal Care Services at Secret World, said: “We always aim to return animals back to where they have come from, but Solo, being on his own, has gone with his new friends Grace and Drift to the Somerset Moors.”

The Somerset Moors become home to hundreds of juvenile swans through the winter as they mature and eventually pair for life. Solo has been given his second chance in the wild in time for Christmas.

Secret World provides a 365-days-a-year service to rescue sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.

Members of the public who would like advice on how to look after wild animals or would like to report injured wildlife should call 01278 783 250.