THE NEW Dawlish cygnets are now four days old.

The pair, named by some as a twins, are already out on the water and exploring under the watchful eyes of mum Kimba and dad Bert.

Dawlish Town Council has locked the gates at both ends of the footpath at Tucks Plot to keep the babies safe and provide them with the area to themselves as they venture away from the safety of their nest.

Volunteers and the town’s waterfowl wardens have been opening the closing the lower weir gates to maintain the water levels.

Town councillor and WADE volunteer Scott Williams said: ‘Funny how attached you get to cygnets - just cos you are opening and closing weir gates in the rain to protect the nest and keep it from being washed away.’

However, Cllr Williams has already had to take two people to task who he saw walking in the closed off area.

They had jumped over the locked gates, both of which have signs saying it is for the protection of the cygnets.