RSPB South West is asking the public in Dorset to provide food, water and shelter for their garden birds throughout the colder winter months.

A charity spokesman said: "As temperatures start to drop our garden birds need a helping hand finding food, water and shelter.

"During the colder months birds need a lot of energy just to maintain their body temperature, so it is important to feed them foods that are high in fat, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts or fat-based food bars.

"If these fatty foods come in a mesh sacking, be sure to remove them from the netting and place them into a feeder or directly onto a bird table - birds can become trapped and injured by getting caught on the mesh."

The RSPB is also asking residents to monitor how much food garden birds eat and adjust the amount they put out according to the birds' appetites.

"A build-up of uneaten food in or around feeders and tables can quickly turn rancid, so regularly discard any leftovers," added the spokesman.

Visit www.rspb.org.uk for more tips.