Grand Union Canal: Sanctuary saving swans caught up in London oil dump

A large slick of cooking oil that spread over miles of London's canals and waterways in February has affected a number of swans and other birds.

So far, 40 birds have been taken in by the Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton after the oil - thought to be from a kitchen where takeaway delivery meals are made - was dumped in the Grand Union Canal in Alperton, west London.

The Canal and Rivers Trust is spending £10,000 a day on cleaning up the canal and nearby waterways, after the slick spread into Little Venice and the Paddington Basin.

Staff at the sanctuary say that while the oil is not toxic, there is a risk to life for the birds getting caught up in it.

Video by Tom Edwards