An exotic duck has got people in a flap in Herne Bay after it was spotted on the Memorial Park lake.

Crowds have flocked to catch sight of the colourful Mandarin duck which originates from the Far East.

The eye-catching male bird – spotted happily swimming alongside run-of-the-mill mallards – can be found in Korea, Japan, China and parts of Russia.

Glynn Crocker, who works for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in Canterbury, says people should visit the park soon to catch a glimpse of the Mandarin.

He said: “Make the most of it while you can.

“How long it stays depends on how tired it is and how hungry it is.

“People should go as quickly as possible before it goes.

“If it is quite happy with other ducks around it will be happy but if something upsets it, it will move on.”

Mr Crocker, who lives in Whitstable, described the Mandarin as a “beautiful thing”.

The stunningly plumaged Herne Bay duck has a large white crescent above the eye, an orange face and red bill.

“If it is quite happy with other ducks around it will be happy but if something upsets it, it will move on..." - Glynn Crocker

The female is dull in comparison with the male and has a grey head, white stripe and brown back.

Mandarins were introduced to the UK from China in the early 20th century and have become established following escapes from captivity.

Dick Eburne, of Western Esplanade, said he was pleased to see the town centre lake attracting a variety of wildlife.

He said: “It’s nice that the duck has picked the lake – it’s good to have a new visitor.

“It shows that the lake is attractive wildlife and we have had some birds in Herne Bay – we have cormorants on the detached pier head and they use that as a diving platform.

“When you look at the pier with binoculars the whole thing is covered in cormorants.”