A castle in North Yorkshire which survived the Civil War and bombardment from the Germans is under siege - from a pair of seagulls.

The birds are protecting their nest containing two eggs, hidden in the walls of the 850-year-old Scarborough Castle, so fiercely that English Heritage has ordered the ruins to be closed to the public.

The female, nicknamed Queenie by staff, has been threatening anyone who goes near her nest, while her mate, Harold, is equally protective, said head custodian Janet Smith.

"We called in the RSPCA after visitors said they had been threatened by the gulls as they looked around the keep.

"They built the nest and laid the eggs very quickly. The female hasn't attacked anyone, but she was obviously not happy when anyone went near her nest"

She added "We don't mind closing the keep because safety of our visitors is paramount"

RSPCA inspector Geoff Edmund said the keep may have to stay closed for six weeks until the eggs hatch and the young gulls leave.

"Gulls can get very aggressive for territorial reasons. It is always difficult to know if they will attack anyone. They made the nest obviously believing they were in a safe and quiet place."