A LOCAL beauty spot has been highlighted by the RSPCA in a new warning about the dangers of litter to wildlife.

Westlake, in Swan Lane, Hindley, has been named on a list of shame of wildlife havens which are becoming rubbish dumps.

The RSPCA has launched its campaign to clean up parks to prevent wild animals from suffering.

A great-crested grebe, a fresh water diving bird, was the most recent major casualty at the Hindley lake.

It took five people to rescue the bird.

The RSPCA says the grebe became tangled in fishing line which had been left abandoned on the shore.

The bird's beak was anchored against his neck stopping him from eating or drinking.

When the line was removed, RSPCA officers also found two round weights and a plastic peg caught around his neck and beak.

The bird was monitored and later returned to the lake.

RSPCA Supt Bill Cottingham, who is responsible for the North-west, said: "We are disappointed by the unexplained rise in animals coming into our care because of litter-related injuries.

"This is distressing for the animals and RSPCA officers who are spending more and more time dealing with incidents which are so easily avoidable.

"If people thought carefully before they dumped their rubbish many animals would be saved from injury and death.

"A large proportion of injuries inspectors, animal collection officers, vets and wildlife hospitals deal with are caused by carelessly discarded plastic drinks can holders and fishing line and hooks. The time spent rescuing these animals could be spent helping others."