BARRICADES have gone up round an old firefighting truck, all because of a tiny wagtail with a liking for cigarette ends.

Forestry Commission workers in the Lyndhurst area couldn't believe their eyes when they went to investigate a pile of cigarette ends and other debris under the Land Rover's rear axle.

On closer inspection they found a pied wagtail's nest.

Commission worker Dave Bryant said: "We spotted her hopping into a tiny gap in the metalwork with fag ends in her beak.

"We reckoned she was either a heavy smoker or she was using them to build a nest. We were amazed that she was trying to lay her eggs right next to the spot where the mechanics fix heavy machinery like mechanical diggers."

The wagtail has been nicknamed Crusty and the workmen are doing everything they can to make sure the eggs hatch safely. The vehicle was due to go to auction, but that has been put on hold until the chicks have flown the nest.

Until then the fire truck is a "no-go area" and the signs have gone up to make sure Crusty isn't disturbed, although she doesn't seem to mind the nearby banging and clanking of the mechanical work.