East Malling has suddenly become a destination for bird-watchers, after waxwings were seen near the village.

Waxwings are a rare winter migrant to Kent, usually arriving only when conditions are particularly harsh in Scandinavia.

The “Twitchers” themselves were snapped by local ward councillor Daniel Markham, who said: “I’m delighted that bird-spotters have descended on East Malling from all over the country to see the rare waxwing. This demonstrates how precious our countryside around East Malling really is.”

Waxwings are brown and pale grey with silky plumage, a black and white eye-stripe, a crest, a square-cut tail and pointed wings.

Some wing feathers have red tips, and it is their resemblance to sealing wax that gives these birds their name.

They like eating berries and often nest near water.