Thousands of flying ants begin swarming across London

Thousands of flying ants are swarming across the capital - a phenomenon seen each year as the insects leave their colonies to mate.

In some parts of the capital the flying insects are already hard to miss.

Known officially as 'Flying Ant Day' the swarming can last several weeks. The ants release chemicals to help attract insects from other colonies. They fly away and mate in mid air.

Judging by the reaction on Twitter, most of us will be glad when mating season is over.