A CARDIGAN building contractor was forced to intervene when a rare visitor to the River Teifi had its feathers ruffled by a couple of aggressive swans last week.

Geoff Jenkins came to the rescue when a rare Asian bar-headed goose was set upon and almost drowned by the hissing pair.

Possibly as a result of its ordeal, the goose sadly died a couple of days later before the arrival of RSPCA inspectors intent on taking it to a Llanelli sanctuary.

Geoff and his neighbours were said to be "saddened" by the turn of events.

The rescue drama had happened near Gloster Row car park a couple of days previously as Geoff was enjoying an early morning stroll along the river bank.

Having been surprised to see the bar-headed goose – usually found at high altitude in Tibet during the summer – Geoff then looked on in amazement as the swans, accompanied by three cygnets, went for the bird.

But Geoff managed to pull the goose to safety after it was dragged underwater.

As the builder made his way to his home in Lower St Mary Street, the grateful goose followed, entering his garden and taking refuge in a garden shed before being fed by neighbours.

“The swans appeared to be protecting the cygnets when they attacked the goose which was lucky to escape with its life,” said Geoff.

“When I pulled the bird to safety it decided to follow me.”

Sadly, the goose’s reprieve proved short-lived.