An injured duck which survived major surgery after getting a fish hook lodged in its mouth has been released back in to the wild.

The lucky duck was first spotted at Ashtead Pond in the spring with a large growth on the side of its beak, at first believed to be a tumour.

Evading capture for six months, paramedics from the Wildlife Aid Foundation in Leatherhead eventually discovered the swelling had been caused by an infection from a large fish-hook lodged inside his mouth.

The malard underwent a long and complicated operationto remove the hook.

The surgery was a complete success and after three weeks rehabilitation the duck was released last week.

Simon Cowell MBE, said: "We are all absolutely delighted that we have been able to give this lovely creature a second chance and a new lease of life after he sustained such nasty injuries and very nearly died.

"When we rescued him from Ashtead Pond he had the most incredible swelling which was almost as big as his head, and at first we thought it was a tumour.

"Ducks and swans frequently swallow hooks or get snagged or tangled in fishing line, and without help they will die a long lingering and horrible death.

"I hope people who go fishing will think twice about what they are doing to the natural environment if they are not careful, and especially the dangers that they are causing to wildlife if they leave discarded fishing line or hooks in the water or on the riverbank."