OIL-COVERED and injured sea birds are being washed up in excessively high numbers along the Kent coast.

In the last eight weeks, the RSPCA has received 10 times more calls than usual from people who have found distressed birds. One call a day on average is normal.

An appeal has been made to members of the public for help to ensure the greatest possible number of casualties survive.

It is thought the birds, largely guillemots, are victims of the aftermath of the Tricolor sinking in the Channel in December and three subsequent collisions with the wreck.

The birds are being picked up on the shore between Margate and Folkestone, a majority in the St Margarets, Walmer and Deal stretch.

Emergency treatment is initially administered to stabilise the birds. This has taken place in Dover at Burnham House veterinary practice and by volunteers from the Wildlife Careline.