A RETIRED builder who put a tray of water out for some ducklings has watched in amazement as the tribe of feathered friends settled into his garden.

Derek Redding, 64, got a surprise when he discovered the waterfowl living outside his house in Cambridge Crescent.

He said: "They're all exactly the same, like little clones of one another, or little soldiers in grey coats.

"They look like an attacking army coming across no man's land."

Derek, who lives with his wife, Christine, 64, explained how he found the visitors.

He said: "About three months ago we started seeing a duck in the garden, just on the lawn, but we didn't really take much notice.

"We have one big patch of pampas grass which looks a bit like rushes. Then the other day the duck came out and was followed by 14 ducklings. They obviously have a nest in there.

"I've put a plastic mixing tray out, filled with water and they're using it as a pond.

"The babies are bathing in a bowl - even the mother goes in there to have a wash. It's incredible."

Derek put bread out and bought some duck food - which is a nutrient-rich bread - from a pet shop, but his guests are finding their own snacks.

He says they mostly eat flies, but the mother had a bigger meal when a frog hopped in from next door.

He said: "She swallowed the frog whole. I couldn't believe my eyes. It's really interesting.

"Presumably when they get bigger they'll fly away.

"It's amazing seeing nature happen in front of your eyes."