A dozen ducklings have captured the hearts of visitors to an Elizabethan-moated manor house in the Midlands.

Harvington Hall, near Kidderminster, is known for the number of priests’ hiding places it contains and attracts thousands of visitors each year but this year an extra welcome awaits them.

Every year a flock of mallard ducklings hatch although usually only one or two manage to survive.

But this year 12 baby mallards have pulled through and have taken to the water in the moat.

What is more, the ducklings seem unafraid of human contact and have taken to following visitors on their tours of the grounds.

Sherida Breeden, Hall Manager, said: “It is surprising because of the wet start to the year but we have had more ducklings survive than ever before.

“This year they all seem to have survived and whether that is down to fewer predators being around, I do not know. The ducklings are providing an added attraction for visitors and staff and we also have some baby coots and Canada Geese.”