Duck vending machine installed at park

A "duck vending machine" has been installed at a park in Worcestershire to help ducks thrive on a healthy diet.

The new installation, can be found at Vines Park in Droitwich Spa and was supplied by the Feed the Ducks Initiative at no cost to Wychavon District Council.

For £1, visitors to the park can use the machine to feed wild birds healthily and sustainably, rather than using bread which can lead to malnutrition.

The machine is also powered by solar energy and made from 20,000 recycled plastic bottles.

Councillor Beverley Hardman said: "We are excited to work with Feed the Ducks on this project.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for our community to connect with the environment and help care for our local ducks and waterfowl.

"I can't wait to see everyone enjoying this new addition to our parks."

For every pound spent, 10% will be given to Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, a wildlife charity which offers help to injured birds and other animals.

A charity representative, Natalie Gould, said: "The Feed the Ducks Initiative is a fantastic way to provide safe, nutritious food for water birds with minimal impact on the environment.

"We are so grateful that we've been chosen to receive donations through the initiative, too. We hope that all councils follow suit."

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.