A BIRD in the nest has halted the removal of the annual Christmas tree in Teignmouth town centre.

When builders went to take down the tall specimen at the Triangle on Monday, they discovered what is thought to be a collared dove had built a nest in the foliage and hatched a chick.

And because the chick is well developed, it could well have hatched on or about Christmas Day.

Tony Whitehead, of the RSPB, said: 'Although most birds nest and raise youngsters in spring and summer, some will at times nest well outside the normal breeding season.

'This is known in doves and pigeons, and also in other birds such as blackbirds and mistle thrushes. Last winter we even had a song thrush nesting on traffic lights in the midst of all the snow!

Tony added: 'Collared doves usually take around 18 days from hatching to fledging.

'This one looks fairly well developed and it might be possible it hatched on Christmas day, which given its location is just wonderful.

'Perhaps it should be called Noel!"

town clerk Dave Tickell said.'We couldn't disturb the birds, so the tree will stay there until they fly off, which could be in days or weeks,'

'In the meantime we are taking expert advice, to ensure the survival and safety of the birds, which seem to be under attack from pigeons.

'It is an inconvenience, but I am sure people would agree that it would be wrong to remove the tree while the chick is still there.'

Meanwhile, contractor Mike Bolsworth has been more successful in taking down tree displays outside shops, signalling that the festive period is well and truly over for another year.

Additional reporting: Stephen Taylor