A flock of exotic ducks has descended on a lake in . More than 40 mandarins have settled on the water at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, near Tarporley.

Bird watching websites were all of a flutter yesterday after the arrival of the unprecedented number of colourful birds.

Janet King, owner of the centre, said she was amazed by the sight of the ornate ducks. �€œWe usually have one or two mandarin ducks that visit each year, but we have never had so many here before,�€� she said.

�€œThe birdwatchers have been flocking to the balcony of our lakeside cafe, just to get a glimpse of these beautiful birds - it has been great for business!�€�

The male has the most elaborate and ornate plumage with distinctive long orange feathers on the side of the face, orange 'sails' on the back, and pale orange flanks.

The female is dull by comparison with a grey head and white stripe behind the eye, brown back and mottled flanks.

They were introduced to the UK from China and have become established following escapes from captivity.