A community has been left devastated after a much-loved family of swans lost a cygnet.

Workington Nature Partnership was inundated with messages this week saying that Hope, a female swan from Harrington Nature Reserve, had taken herself and her cygnets on an adventure.

Diving into action, volunteer Clive went in search of the missing flock but only managed to find Hope and one cygnet on Moorclose Road.

The adventurous swan was guided back to her pond where her infamous partner, Barney, was waiting.

By the afternoon, another round of messages came in and the audacious family had gone for another wander.

The young mother was once again found on the cycle track behind Beckstone Primary School's yard.

Hope and her cygnet were once again returned to a waiting Barney and the hunt continued for the final cygnet.

Workington Nature Partnership officer Raegan Blacker, said: “The swans are really popular here and the community really care about them.

“It’s great that so many people made contact so they could be taken back to safety.”

The officer explained how Barney is popular with the residents; he is about 16 years old and has had quite a life.

He originally mated with a swan named Teresa who unfortunately died, then found a new bird on a different pond and had a family only to move back and start a relationship with Hope.

Along with this bevy of swans, they have Plodder, who is a staggering 26 years old and has an angel wing – meaning she is unable to take flight like the others.

Once Hope was returned for the second time Ms Blacker said: “I had had a message from a woman saying there was a swan in her garden near Poole Road.

“Sadly, one of the young cygnets that were found had a nasty injury to its leg; it was dislocated and the tendons severed. It was taken to Knockwood and sadly the vet was unable to save it.

“I received so many messages and tags from so many people that I haven’t even had a chance to open them all but thanks to everyone for trying to help.

“Jade, who many of you tagged, from West Cumbria Wildlife and Rehab is also a good person to contact.

“At this time of year, the swans are prone to exploring before they head off on their own.

“It is very likely it may happen again as they find their way to the harbour or river but, hopefully, they’ll get there safely.”

The dedicated officer thanked everyone who helped and reported the swans and added: “It’s now the time of year when Whooper Swans start to arrive.”