FISH have been rescued from a river that runs through Ludlow and Tenbury after falling water levels left them in danger.

The Environment Agency rescued salmon, brown trout and grayling from the River Teme close to Lingen Bridge, near Leintwardine, after seven months of below average rainfall left them stranded in shallow pools.

Other stretches of the river have been left completely water-free following a very dry April and May.

The agency has warned that more wildlife could be af fected unless the area receives significant rainfall.

Had they been left, the fish would have been at risk of suffocating due to lack of oxygen. The vertebrates were stunned using a light electric current and taken to deeper parts of the river.

The agency’s fisheries technical specialist Chris Bainger said: “This is part of the work we do to protect fish and conserve fish stocks during these weather conditions.

“Over the past seven months we have received very little rain in this area compared to average.

“We are concerned that the continuing dry weather may affect more wildlife, including fish and plant life in and around rivers and lakes.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and will act quickly to alleviate such problems if they occur.”

The Environment Agency said the public could report any concerns by calling their 24-hour freephone number on 0800 807060.