GROUNDSMAN Robin Wightman was almost bowled over by a pair of angry seagulls protecting a newly-laid egg on a cricket pitch.

He had to duck and beat a hasty retreat as the shrieking birds repeatedly dive-bombed Mr Wightman, 50, who feared the aerial assault would stop him preparing a match wicket for an afternoon cup game on the ground yesterday.

But after almost an hour the birds, which he had fed daily for weeks, backed off and allowed him to nervously remove the dark green speckled egg from the batting strip.

Mr Wightman, who has named the pair Fred and Wilma, said: "I think it was only because I have gradually won their trust that they finally called off the attack."

The gulls became regular visitors to Durham Senior League side South Shields' Wood Terrace ground before the start of the season and Mr Wightman thought they returned each evening to their nest at the coast a mile away. But he woke to find the egg surrounded by twigs and leaves in an apparent attempt to build a nest on the wicket.

However, the First XI's Captain Ramsdens Shield clash with Richmondshire went ahead, with the gulls back in their usual place on the boundary.