Colourful bee-eater birds captured on canvas

An artist has managed to paint the stunning bee-eater birds who have made a home at East Leake quarry.

The colourful birds are rare visitors to the UK and normally nest in southern Europe.

Having taken up residence in Nottinghamshire, they are now expected to stay till mid-August, with their chicks having just arrived.

The last time they nested in the UK was 2015, when two pairs set up home in a quarry in Cumbria.

The birds have already drawn a crowd, and a viewing area and car park has been set up for people seeking the best views of the birds.

Darren Woodhead, who lives in Scotland, travelled to the area to spend his birthday watching and painting the birds in watercolour.