Kent town keeps its Christmas tree thanks to nesting dove

A town in Kent has been forced to ignore the '12-days of Christmas' rule this year, thanks to a nesting dove.

The 25-foot tall Christmas tree installed at Paddock Wood, Kent was meant to be removed on 5 January - but the festive season has been prolonged thanks to a dove that has taken up residence in the tree.

The bird was found as the Christmas lights were being removed earlier this month.

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Paddock Wood Town Council has been forced to leave the tree as a result of bird protection laws, the Telegraph reports.

The tree will have to stay standing now until mid February, after the for the collar dove chicks have taken flight.

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The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 states that it is illegal to 'take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while that nest is in use or being built'.

It also states that it is an offence to 'kill, injure or take any wild bird', while it's illegal to 'take or destroy an egg of any wild bird'.

Paddock Wood parish clerk Nichola Reay said: "It is a lovely story. I hope she manages to raise her babies."

"I would only ask people to stay away from the tree and leave the dove in peace."

Martin Coath, the chairman of the Kent Ornithological Society, told Kent Online: "They are quite tame creatures, often found in the domestic environment. If they have a nice Christmas tree it is some protection from the wind and weather.

"The way this has been handled shows a lot of concern for birds and the environment. It is rather heartening to hear people have the about gone the right way about this."