A wetland centre in Lancashire has temporarily closed following an outbreak of avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, in Burscough, closed to the public on Friday (October 7) as a precautionary measure to protect the birds in its care and prevent the spread of avian influenza.

The organisation promised to issue an update about reopening later this week.

A spokesperson said: "Cases of avian influenza remain widespread across the UK.

“To protect the birds in our care and those returning to spend winter on our reserve, and as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of avian influenza, Martin Mere Wetland Centre is closed temporarily due to requirements from the UK government.

“These measures will help protect the birds here. We apologise for the disappointment we know this will cause.”

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed on October 9 in captive birds near Burscough.

A three-kilometre Captive Bird controlled zone has been put in place around the premises. Affected birds will be humanely culled.

Other parts of Lancashire are currently covered by a 10km surveillance zone, which include Fleetwood, Cleveleys, Poulton-Le-Fylde and parts of Blackpool.

The UK government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency and UK Health Security Agency say the risk to public health from the virus is very low.

Avian influenza can be carried by wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter.

If you find a sick or dead bird, do not touch it or pick it up. Instead, call the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs helpline: 03459 335577.