AN animal care team is preparing to have its work cut out - as its prepares for the sound of even more happy feet.

Four sets of resident Humboldt penguins at the Sea Life Centre in Scarborough are showing signs of carrying eggs.

And the birds - all named after cartoon characters - are starting to nest down for the on-coming brood.

The four pairs include Clumsy and Muttley, Piglet and Gonzo, Mavis and Nestor and finally Mumbles and Woody.

"We are especially excited about this baby boom as it will be the first egg for both Mavis and Mumbles so we all have our fingers crossed for them" said aquarist Josh Saunders.

"It is also good news for Woody as he was moved to Scarborough to find love after being rejected by his colony at Weymouth Sea Life - and this proves that he has."

Each female penguin will lay two eggs. These will then be cared for by both parents taking it in turn to sit over the eggs until they hatch.

"We will help out where we can with providing the right vitamins the baby penguins will need when they are born as well as ensuring they are eating properly" said Josh.

The team are expecting the eggs to be laid some time towards the end of May. It will then take up to 42 days for them to hatch.