Four peacocks whose bold adventures have been bringing joy to households in Deal during the coronavirus pandemic today invaded a car garage.

In a blatant breach of the 'stay at home' rules, the colourful creatures wandered into Campbells' workshop around 9am and only left when forced to.

Owner Neil Ewbank, whose garage in Southwall Road is open for emergencies only, was quite happy to let them roam free.

Aside from a couple of 'toilet accidents', he says there has been no foul-play.

He told KentOnline: "They've been in all day.

"The garage doors are up and so they just wandered in.

"They're harmless and pretty entertaining."

The nosey birds had travelled 1.4 miles from their home in Hull Place, Sholden, and took a liking to the garage setting.

Determined to get a full tour of the place, they even ventured upstairs into the office to 'help' with paperwork.

Mr Ewbank added: "They seem to like the MOT ramp.

"They also have been sitting on the concrete. I think it's nice and cool for them.

"Yes, there's been a few accidents here and there, but they're pretty co-operative."

Customer Brian Conway was amazed at the sight of them when he arrived for car repairs.

He said: "They're pretty friendly. But if you get a bit too close they start flapping!"

The birds belong to Paul Louis who lives in Hull Place where they return every night.

They're usually spotted around Sholden but during the coronavirus lockdown have been seen venturing further afield.

Mr Louis told KentOnline last November: "I decided not to clip their wings as this limits their ability to escape to trees, mainly from foxes.

"Clipping them makes them vulnerable and whilst they do have a very secure pen, I would rather not let them be cooped up.

"As I understand it they haven't been a nuisance and bringing joy to people which makes me very happy.

"The white one is called Blanche, the others Gulliver, Prince and Victor.

"I hope they continue to bring joy. They are very tame and non aggressive.

"They love fruit and veg, kitchen scraps and seeds."

Peacocks are ground-feeders that eat insects, plants and small creatures.

Technically, the term peacock should be reserved only for the male birds with the term peahen used for females. Peafowl is the correct term to refer to both male and female.

Peafowls are best known for their flamboyant tail feathers with elaborate iridescent colouration.

It is the male who boasts the more distinct, colourful feathers while peahens tend to be light brown in colour with white bellies.

This is to help them easily blend in with her surrounding environment when caring for her young.

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