Family life afloat

This photograph, of a family of swans on the River Trent, was taken by Advertiser reader Mr Edward Ross.

He and his wife, Mrs Mavis Ross, enjoy taking photographs and took this one from the riverbank pathway near Trent Bridge opposite Newark Castle.

Mr Ross says: “During early March we had seen the parent swans clearing the rubbish to start building their nest.

“During the following weeks we watched the controlled procedure, including the birds sitting on the eggs. We had no idea that there must have been at least 12 of them.

“Some time later we returned to find the nest deserted and wondered where the swans were. By sheer chance we spotted them gliding up river, in single file — with dignified mother in front and dad giving orders from the rear.

“What a wonderful sight to see such devoted parents with such responsibility carrying out their duties to perfection.

“It must have made an interesting talking point for the many walkers along our lovely river bank.”