A new breeding pair of black swans has arrived in Dawlish, and they're expected to be out on the Brook next week.

The pair have been 'swapped' with two of the male swans, which have gone to a new home.

The new arrivals are currently being kept in the waterfowl compound as they get used to their new surroundings and keepers, and will probably be out next week in the area around Tuck's Plot, where the live Black Swan Cam stream is focused.

The waterfowl wardens are said to be 'delighted' with the pair, which will introduce a new blood line to the colony.

There are also some new additions to the other waterfowl stock. The aviary now has a pair of ringed teal ducks, a male Carolina duck, a male northern shoveler duck and a pair of ferruginous pochards.

Meanwhile, the three black swan cygnets born last month are doing well, with their progress being followed by people all over the world via the regular updates on the Dawlish Waterfowl Facebook page.

But two of the adult swans usually seen on the Brook appear to have taken an Easter holiday – travelling as far afield as Dawlish Warren, Exmouth and Paignton.

The wardens are monitoring reports of sightings, and have seen the swans at a distance. They think they're in good health - but can't bring them back to their home until they come ashore.