An animal charity has praised RNLI lifeguards for helping to save the lives of seagulls caught up in a fishing litter tangleThe gulls were tangled together with line, hooks and weights which left them unable to fly or swim.

Lifeguards who helped the trapped birds have been praised for their kindness by an RSPCA inspector. Inspector Sarah Morris was called to Slapton Sands to rescue two gulls after members of the public called the animal charity’s emergency rescue helpline.The birds were seen unable to free themselves after getting tangled together in the sea at the tourist hotspot.Sarah said: "The gulls were caught up in fishing tackle with hooks and a weight attached. "They were completely stuck and were unable to fly or swim. "RNLI lifeguards, Luke and Sam, had also spotted the gulls and decided to try and help. They were real heroes and managed to catch them with a blanket. "The hooks and lines were removed and the birds were released unharmed."Sarah continued: "Sadly, this is an example of how discarded fishing tackle can be so damaging to our beautiful wildlife but we hope it’s a reminder to anyone who enjoys fishing to be extra cautious to make sure nothing is left behind."RNLI lifeguard Sam said: "It was heartbreaking to see the birds in such distress, we’re used to assisting people on the beach but we were really pleased to be able to help the birds and our RSPCA colleagues."Nearly 40 per cent (1,510) of all litter-related calls to the RSPCA last year were about animals that had specifically become caught in fishing litter - from a seal being strangled by old fishing net, to dozens of swans who swallowed or were pierced by old fishing hooks or became entangled in fishing line.The animal welfare charity encourages all those who enjoy fishing to follow the Angling Trust ’Take 5’ campaign and make use of the recycling scheme to dispose of their waste tackle.For information about how to dispose of fishing litter properly visit www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/litter/fishingTo help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care,visit www.rspca.org.uk or phone the charity’s donation line on 0300 123 8181.