RAMBO, famous for his aggressive antics at Blackburn’s Queen’s Park and thought to be one of Britain’s oldest living swans, has died.

He was believed to be more than 30 years old, and was said to have gained his name after drowning two dogs who were swimming too close to his cygnet eggs.

He also made a daily habit of attacking Canadian geese who flew into his territory and had even killed other swans who came too close.

Rambo was found dead at the side of the lake having died of old age by Blackburn Council parks staff.

Most swans only live to around 12 years in the wild.

Amateur photographer Bryant Pound said: “I thought it might be coming because he had taken to sleeping on the bank and not bothering about people. He was usually much more active.

“He was a bit of a local legend.”

Liz Fields of Queen's Park Supporters' Group feeds the swans daily. She said: “Rambo was huge and he used to greet me with a little grunt. He was very protective of his cygnets and was obsessed with chasing off intruders. I think he knew he was dying because instead of chasing off this year’s cygnets, he allowed them to stay, including the male which is very unusual.

“He looked like he was asleep when he was found which I am very glad about. He was a fantastic swan and I loved him to bits.”

Rambo was tagged at the park with a swan ring by the RSPB’s international project in 1988, when he was a mature adult and at least three years old.

Rambo had three mates during his lifetime at Queen’s Park. His first female was killed by dogs and a second mate died of a broken heart, locals said, when her eggs were repeatedly smashed by thugs. He is survived by his mate of four years Penny and two nearly mature cygnets who are expected to now remain at the park.

Coun Yusuf Jan-Virmani, who oversees neighbourhoods for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "Rambo was a great character and was one of the oldest swans the borough has seen for a long time. I am sure he will be fondly remembered by all.”

Ward councillor Salim Mulla said: “This is very sad news as Rambo was beloved by children who visited the park. It is the end of an era.”