Warm month sees late arrivals swanning around

As Britain enjoys an unseasonally warm October, two cygnets have made a late arrival at a swan sanctuary.

The Black Swan would normally breed at this time of year in its native Australia.

The warm autumn has meant that one swan at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Slimbridge Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire has been able to maintain the tradition.

Two black swan cygnets hatched on October 15 and are now swimming around with their mother.

Aviculture and Duckery Warden at the centre Phoebe Young said the cygnets have reached a good size and thinks they will survive the British winter.

"It is lovely to see the attention the cygnets have been receiving from families," she said.

"Our 'downy duckling' days in the spring are hugely popular as people love to see young birds.

"The cygnets have lots of personality and we are confident they will survive."