A nesting swan waits for six eggs to hatch - as a hovercraft zooms past just feet away.

The unperturbed bird has made its home on a reedbed in the middle of land used for flying the mini machines.

Now local councillors in Sandwich have got in a flap over whether it should left in peace.

But Ben Bristow, events manager for Flying Fish Hovercraft, insisted the swans are all-white.

He said: "We're nature lovers and we love all animals, hence us naming the company Flying Fish.

"We're not monsters and if it were a case of upsetting the swans we wouldn't do it."

He added that the same swan has been nesting in Coleman's Field every year and always returned.

"If we were disturbing her, she wouldn't keep coming back," he said.

"Last year we weren't operating from Sandwich, so we didn't violate any terms."

Once the cygnets have hatched, he thinks the pen (female) and cob (male) will move further up the dyke.

In the meantime they will remain in their chosen spot close to the lake.

An RSPCA officer has witnessed the hovercraft racing events and the animal charity has filed a report saying the swans are not adversely affected.

However, residents have written to the authority, complaining of noise and the potential harm it could cause the swans.

According to town clerk Tracey Ward, it sounds like a "high volume strimmer".

Are the councillors right? Tell us what you think in the comment box below.