TENNIS players at a club on the edge of Worcester were surprised when their courts were invaded by some non-members - a gaggle of female ducks.

Members of the Boughton Park Lawn Tennis Club, part of the Worcestershire Golf and Country Club at St John's, were preparing to take to the courts on Thursday, when they saw the water-loving birds had pre-empted them and were basking on the grass in the evening sunshine.

Elliott Nixon of the club said: "They normally live in the lake on the golf course, but they obviously decided on a change of scenery.

The fearless ducks were not afraid of joining in with the fun, coming right up close and personal, close enough to stroke then. Their skills as ball girls however left much to be desired."

However, the feathered friends finally wandered off in line, allowing the tennis players to get on with their games.

Mr Nixon said that new - human - members for the club will be more than welcome, and anyone interested should call him on 07914 900315 or email secretary@worcestergcc.co.uk.