Jos Maxey with a swan
rescued at East Farleigh Bridge. Picture: Jeff Leahy

An eight-year-old boy braved near sub-zero temperatures to
protect a battered swan... armed only with an umbrella and a loaf
of bread.

Jos Maxey had been out at East Farleigh bridge yesterday when a
male swan who had recently moved into the area attacked the sister
of his new mate.

Brave Jos, armed with his rainy day protection and some bread
for the swan, stood vigil for almost two hours to protect the bird
from his swan attacker.

The young female had managed to climb onto the bank with a
suspected broken wing.

She had become trapped and was clearly in a lot of distress.

Volunter Roger Frankland-Hale, of the Bow Bridge Marina in
Wateringbury - who helps out the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary - came
to the aid of young Jos.

The bird was caught and given a thorough examination before
being rehoused with around 30 swans and a further 10 cygnets at
Wateringbury. She was said to be uninjured, but "totally
exhausted".

Mr Frankland-Hale said after the incident: "Young Jos did a very
good job.

"Most youngsters are fairly intimidated by swans - they can be
quite aggressive.

"He was very, very brave and I would give him 10 out of 10."

Jos is said to be hoping to keep in touch with the swan's
progress, who he has named Charlie.

If anyone wants to know more about the work of the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary, or Mr Frankland-Hale's swans at Bow Bridge Marina, visit the sanctuary's website.