A CHURCH in Sourton fell silent for two weeks while some unusual guests made themselves at home.

A family of newly-hatched blue tits were found nesting in the vicar’s lectern at St Thomas à Becket Church and to protect the young family, the church was shut to the public, bell ringing was put on hold and the organ was put out of use for the two weeks that they called the church home.

Maintenance man Tony Batten noticed the birds flying around the decorative stand. When he shone his torch inside the carved holes, he was amazed to discover a family of eight newly-hatched chicks inside. He called church bellringer and wildlife photographer Colin Sargent, who took pictures of the birds just before they fled the nest.

Colin said: ‘It was absolutely amazing to see. Robins and blue tits do nest in some very strange places but I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was decided to close the church to the public and put the bell ringing on hold. The Rev Adrian Brooks still carried out short services but without the organ and he actually blessed the birds after each service, which was really nice.

‘We kept an eye on them and when they were fully fledged we kept the windows and doors open and with a bit of human intervention they all got out safely. It was a pleasure to see.

‘I’ve seen some wonderful sights in my time but wildlife never ceases to amaze me.’

Pictures by Colin Sargent.