A single mother of 12 is squatting at a village home.

But this particular visitor, a duck raising her brood on a garden pond, has been welcomed by the neighbours in Marks Tey.

Home,sweet home - the family of ducks in Paul Coffey's pond Picture: STEVE BRADING

Paul Coffey, of Wilson's Lane, noticed the duck in his garden about three months ago and started feeding her bread. About a week ago 14 ducklings appeared (two have since died) and every day the family are to be seen out swimming.

Mr Coffey built the pond last year for his koi carp and turtles, but all the creatures are getting on well.

He said: "It is quite a big pond and has got all the fish and turtles in there. All the turtles come out when they are sunbathing and the ducklings are clambering on them."

Mr Coffey is married to Toni and they have two children, Holly, 13, and Jason, nine. He added: "They love the ducklings and have their friends round here having a look."

Published Wednesday, June 18, 2003

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