More than 30 swift boxes have been installed in the eaves at The Maltings in Ely in hope that more of the endangered birds will land there.

There are currently around 11 pairs of swifts at the venue and it is hoped that the new 36 boxes will increase that.

A similar scheme at St Mary’s Church has attracted 55 pairs.

Dick Newell, Judith Wakelam and Bill Murrells of Action for Swifts joined Deputy Mayor Cllr Alison Arnold and Mayor Mike Rouse outside of The Maltings on December 3.

It is aimed that the scheme will be extended to Centre E and Ely cemetery.

The birds arrive in the UK in the spring time and usually breed before heading off again in August, back to Africa.

They are monogamous, roost on the wing and only land between one breeding season and the next.

You can find out more about the work that Action for Swifts do by visiting actionforswifts.blogspot.com