ONE of the new cygnets in Dawlish almost fell prey to a seagull but was rescued by a passerby.

The young cygnet which hatched to new, first time parents Rosie and Bluey was retrieved from the gull’s mouth.

Now the waterfowl wardens have moved the whole family into a special enclosure.

Their new temporary home will be Quackingham Palace.

A spokesman for the wardens said: ‘We have temporarily moved the mum, dad and cygnet into Quackingham Palace for a week or so to keep the cygnet safe after some unwanted attention from gulls.

‘Thank you for your understanding while they settle in safely.’

The seagull responsible was seen hanging around after failing to keep hold of the cygnet which is just over a week old.

Quackingham Palace was built two years ago as a temporary home specifically for the town’s Black Swan population.

The structure was erected, next to the existing aviary, by the town council’s waterfowl wardens in case it is needed after new cygnets hatch.