HOPES are high for the new generation of Dawlish Black Swans.

The breeding pair are taking it in turns to care for the estimated eight eggs which have been laid.

Their parenting skills are attracting attention from residents and visitors who are keen to keep up with progress.

People are commenting how much they are enjoying watching the couple and their graceful movement with one saying they reminded her of ‘the movements of Swan Lake’.

The clutch of eggs have been laid on the specially built nesting site at Tuck’s Plot.

Experts looking after the swans say it is the first time it is thought such a large number of eggs have been laid at one time by one pair.

It is hoped the eggs will swell the population of the town’s iconic birds which were decimated by an outbreak of Avian flu in 2020.

The virus claimed the lives of 11 swans.

Now, the swans, which were introduced to Dawlish in the early 20th century, look to be making a come back.

A new breeding pair was brought in from Hull in a bid to boost numbers.

The black swans are the unofficial symbol of Dawlish and a major tourist attraction.