DRINKERS are not the only ones who have been settling themselves in at the Moorcock Inn, Blacko, recently.

The country pub has become home to a variety of creatures great and small, including a female dove nesting on a window ledge.

Landlady Janet Patterson, 43, has even put the decorating on hold so as not to disturb the bird.

She said: "The dove seems very content here and not wanting to disrupt her I contacted Thwaites to inform them of the situation. They have been very understanding and have promised to work round her should she still be nesting."

The Moorcock can also boast four bantam hens on its guest list. And when Janet went in to their coup a few weeks ago she was astonished to find a stray cat ruling the roost.

She said: "The hens were in no danger though, far from it, the cat was actually sat beside one of them, warming her eggs for her."