A LOCAL nursing home has received an unexpected cash boost from birdwatchers who have flocked to the Cotswolds.

Thousands of people are still visiting the blue rock thrush which is living in a garden on Fisher Close, Stow-on-the-Wold in late December.

Keen bird watchers have invaded the area nearby to catch a glimpse of a bird species whose last confirmed sighting on British soil was in 2007.

To make up for the disruption, the birdwatchers have raised £2,300 for local cause Kate's Home Nursing, which provides free end of life care to those with terminal illnesses.

Karen Pengilley, chief executive of Kate's Home Nursing, which is based in Bourton-on-the-Water said: "First of all I would like to thank the local residents for putting up with the disruption and a massive thank you to Bridgette Jennings for putting our name forward.

"I would like to say a big thank you to all the bird watchers who have given so generously and provided such an unexpected boost to us by raising money and awareness of our cause.

"Apparently it is common when people flock somewhere to see a bird they provide a donation.

"We were told that if we got some charity buckets down to Fisher Close then they would be more than happy to provide a donation.

"We have had volunteer fundraisers at Fisher Close to raise money for two weeks or so."

It is common practice for birdwatchers to raise money for charity when they assemble in large numbers to see rare birds.

A collection bucket was offered around whilst teas, coffees and bacon sandwiches were also sold raising money for the charity.

The blue rock thrush usually resides in southern Europe, northern Africa and across Asia.