After the deaths of 12 black swans and cygnets in last November's avian flu outbreak, local residents have welcomed the arrival of the three new cygnets that hatched about a week and a half ago.

And Dawlish Waterfowl are offering special Easter sponsorships of the cygnets, which would make a great present for anyone who loves the town's water birds.

Each sponsorship costs £20, and includes a certificate with a picture of the sponsored cygnet – and the name of the sponsor will be displayed on the waterfowl compound board.

If the sponsorship is being bought as an Easter present, it can also include a gift card with a message of up to 20 words chosen by the giver.

But anyone wanting to give a sponsorship for Easter will need to hurry – the sponsorships must be ordered by tomorrow (Wednesday, March 31), for the certificates to be sent out by post the following day.

Email [email protected] or call 01626 863 388 to arrange a bank transfer.

The money raised by the sponsorships goes towards the care and upkeep of all Dawlish's waterfowl, including the costs of feeding, cleaning, heating and veterinary care.