AN East Huntspill bird sanctuary has found the perfect solution to rescuing and carrying its swans - the famous blue IKEA bags.

The Secret World Wildlife Rescue put out an appeal for the trademark Frakta bags on Facebook to help them carry the majestic birds.

The centre says the bags are ideal for transporting the birds and making sure their wings don’t flap about, keeping them and their handlers safe.

Staff at the IKEA Reading store spotted their post and sent over 300, attaching a heart-warming letter.

Their letter read: ''It's been talked about, made into dog-ponchos, used as a fashion accessory, for exercising... and now used to rescue swans.

''It must be the most hardworking bag in the world."

Big and sturdy, the 50p IKEA bags have been on the shelves for the last 30 years.

David Foulds CEO of Secret World Wildlife Rescue said: "It's one of those things that goes far back in history.

"We had one or two and then put out a Facebook post about using them, then here we are getting a bulk load.''

The centre, which 'specialises in the rescue, rehabilitation and eventual release of orphaned and injured wild creatures', rescues and advises the public on more than 5,000 animals and birds a year.