An unexpected feathered friend has made a home in an unusual place in a popular park - a cigarette bin.

The blue tit has built a nest and has even laid eggs inside the cigarette bin on Gheluvelt Park in Barbourne.

A kind park user has even created a sign to warn people not to use the bin as park officials have decided to let it stay.

The message on the sign says: "Bird nesting in here. Please do not disturb or place litter in the bin."

Neil Bushell, Worcester City Council park keeper said: "I checked what was going on, it's unfortunate that there was a spoon in there.

I can take the bottom off the bin but it will disturb the nest."

The city council has decided to let the bird stay there for the time being rather than try to move it elsewhere.

Mr Bushell said: "I imagine if you touch the nest with your hands, the bird will leave.

"I am going to leave it as it is. I was thinking of taking the post and putting it in my yard, but I think we just need to monitor it."

  

Mr Bushell has been working at the park for the past four years and says this is the first time something like this has happened. 

"It's a bit unique really and I hope it comes to fruition.

"We had an otter once, and a kingfisher who has become a regular."

The bird's unusual nesting spot in a cigarette bin next to a plastic spoon has caused a stir online.

TikTok user Rob Hedge uploaded a video which has been viewed almost 240,000 times.

Woodland Trust said that generally blue tits lay eggs throughout April and into early May.

The female spends up to 15 days incubating once the clutch is complete using a featherless area of skin on her tummy, called a brood patch, to keep the eggs warm.

Her partner brings her deliveries of food during this time, but she must also occasionally leave the eggs to feed.