THESE visitors to Royal Bournemouth Hospital will enjoy top-notch meals thanks to an East Dorset company.

It isn’t patients or staff who will benefit from the support of Verwood-based retail group PamPurredPets, but mallards, cormorants, herons and swans.

For the company has pledged a long-term supply of bird food to support the work of full-time carpenter and voluntary wildlife conservationist Paul Fox.

Appeals made by the hospital for bird food to support the wild fowl living on a manmade lake in the grounds were answered by PamPurredPets in fine fashion.

The lake was built at the time of the hospital’s construction as a surface water run-off which reduces the risk of localised flooding. Over the years, a mixture of fish, mainly species of carp and goldfish, have been introduced. Water birds have flocked to make the lake their home, with the newest addition a group of runner ducks.

Paul, who has made and installed more than 30 bird boxes for the site, said: “The lake and the surrounding open space is a much loved and valued feature enjoyed by many people who attend or work at the hospital.

“With the donations we can now provide extra feed to the bird population and hope to see more breeding this year.”

PamPurredPets’ marketing manager Charlotte Sturmey said they are delighted to support the project.

“It was fantastic to visit and see the lake area,” she said.

“It is as much a haven for the patients, dedicated staff and visitors as it is for the ducks.”