AN uninvited family has taken up residence in a quiet Stratton St Margaret bed and breakfast.

The guests, led by a heavily pregnant female, brazenly flew into Terry and June Lewis' accommodation appropriately named Treetops in Marshfield Way earlier this month.

But the couple are happy to let the family of newly-hatched robins stay.

"When I was putting some washing in the tumble drier I noticed a grey bundle sticking out of Terry's electric drill case," said June, 57.

"He recently bought the drill, which is a laugh because I could never imagine him actually using it, but he left the box on top of the drier in our utility room.

"When I carefully opened the lid, thinking it could be a mouse, there was a little robin sat on a nest."

Exactly how the family entered the house remains a mystery, but the smell of home cooking and comfortable accommodation is sure to have swung their decision.

"When the mother flew off I had a little look and there were five tiny eggs," added June.

"Daddy robin visits several times each day and brings little titbits, they seem very unconcerned when we go in and out of the utility room.

"Four of the eggs hatched last week so we have become a surrogate aunt and uncle.

"It'll be very interesting to see how the babies actually get in and out of the box and learn to fly.

"I personally think Terry has paid the bird to nest in there so he doesn't have to use his drill."

The robins' arrival has provided the Lewis' other pet, Scruffy the Amazon parrot, with some playmates.

According to Terry the squawking bird thinks the baby robins are great fun.

"He always says hello to them each morning," said Terry, 59.

"He copies my voice when I talk to them and isn't at all bothered that a new family of birds has moved in on his territory.

"Seeing them go about their daily routine is like watching one of those wildlife programmes it's absolutely amazing.

"I guess when they are good and ready they'll fly off. I'll miss them though."