A FAMILY of squirrels became unwanted visitors to a car enthusiast when they set up home under the bonnet of his prized motor.

Ray Appleton of Inkerman Drive, Hazlemere, discovered the group nesting in the V8 engine of his Silver Spur Rolls Royce.

Mr Appleton said: "I certainly had some unwanted Christmas guests this year.

"I was already to go out when I found them.

"I was checking the oil, water and brakes and discovered a nest of squirrels in the engine."

The rodents had caused a lot of damage to the Rolls Royce.

They had chewed through all the rubber under the bonnet and straight through the brake cables.

Mr Appleton said: "The squirrels certainly had a taste for brake fluid and petrol. They found a nice cosy spot they were living right next to the carburettor."

Mr Appleton is now waiting for parts to get his pride and joy back on the road.