The dove nesting in Paddock Wood's Christmas tree has abandoned her nest, the town's council has said.

Contractors will take down the tree early next week- a month later than scheduled.

The feathered lodger, a collared dove, became a media star when she built her home in the evergreen next to the war memorial in Station Road.

She laid a single egg, expected to hatch around Valentines Day.
Because of the strict rules protecting nesting birds, the council was left with no other option than to leave it be.

Nichola Reay, parish clerk said: "The nest has been monitored regularly, and though still seen in the area, she has not sat on her nest for some time and the egg has gone cold.

"The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has advised the egg will not hatch and the nest is no longer active."