BIRDS of a feather flock together - as the owners of a Gwent B&B found when an unlikely group of guests came to stay.

But it was no flying visit by the feathered friends, who liked the Monmouthshire bed and breakfast so much they have never left. The three peacocks have made the gardens at the Brynhonddu Country House, in Pandy, their home, and have become something of a local attraction.

Owners Keith and Carol White say they have grown quite attached to the birds. Mrs White said: "We were a bit surprised when they just turned up here a couple of years ago.

"But they seem to like it here, and have settled in and even bred, so the numbers have grown each year and now the three have become eight." The striking birds - renowned for their colourful fan tail of feathers - have proved a hit with the visitors.

Mrs White said: "Most guests find the birds interesting and of course, they are very beautiful to look at.

"The only problems are during the breeding season, when they can be quite noisy. But on the whole they are very well-behaved guests."

The birds enjoy being fed peanuts and bread but mostly survive by eating grass and plants from the estate.

She said: "I've learnt a lot about peacocks. I never even knew they slept in trees. They're an education."