Seagulls are at risk of getting "drunk" by eating flying ants.

A rescue centre in Sompting, near Worthing, has warned people to watch out for the birds over the next few days as "Flying Ant Day" kicks off across the country.

It happens every July and sees swarms of giant flying ants emerge from nests over the course of a few days.

They then fly in huge groups to set up fresh colonies with new mating partners.

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As they swarm through towns, seagulls end up bingeing on them as an easy food source.

Although flying ants are yet to be seen in Worthing this year, the rescue centre has urged people to put out bowls of fresh water for the seagulls to help them recover over the next few days.

Gulls that eat the flying ants become "drunk" on the chemicals they release and they become disorientated and act injured.

A spokesman from the Sompting Wildlife Rescue said: "While it's not happened in Worthing yet, we are expecting it over the next few days.

"We have had reports across the rest of the South Coast of flying ants leaving their nests.

"These are particularly delicious for gulls and they can be seen gorging on them until effectively drunk on the chemicals released by the ants.

"This can debilitate gulls making them look like they are injured or disorientated, often stumbling into the road.

"Sadly some of the symptoms shown can look like those of bird flu, so please be careful if you are taking these birds anywhere describing an ill gull.

"Usually they just need time to recover, putting some bowls of fresh water down will aid recovery."

The Natural History Museum said the event is prompted by hot and humid weather.

Although it commonly happens in July, it can take place as late as September in some areas.

The museum said the ants fly in swarms to protect themselves from predators and increase their chances of reproduction.