Sussex bird lovers are being urged to continue to leave food out despite a bumper summer for berries.

The hot weather of the summer has meant branches have been straining under the bulge of so many berries.

But the RSPB has warned many will not be ripe enough to eat for the county's birds and has urged people to continue to put out food.

And this is even more vital given the drop in temperatures experienced this week.

Ian Hayward, from the RSPB's wildlife enquiries team, said: “Not all of the berries out now are ripe enough for birds to eat - most won't be taken until after the first frosts and ivy berries won't start forming until much later in winter - so it's still important to supplement the natural food with things like seed mixes, mealworms and suitable leftovers from your kitchen.”