A RADIO station's staff have been ducking and diving more than most during the past few weeks - and it has not been a matter of choice.

Berries growing on the bushes which surround the fields overlooked by the Fresh! studios in Richmond, North Yorkshire, may look pretty through the window.

Unfortunately, they are also a magnet for the local bird life - and, although the fruit may be nutritious, it's playing havoc with their digestive systems.

The result is large amounts of what can be described as vividly-coloured guano.

It now covers the walls of the Fresh! building, cars parkedoutside and even the staff as they run the gauntlet between the two.

"It's sometimes farcical, watching people trying to dodge the showers,'' said breakfast presenter, Les "Gunny'' Gunn. "However, it has got to the stage where we need some help getting in and out.''

Richmondshire District Council has already loaned the station a tape recording of bird distress calls in the hope it may scare the culprits off.

"When we tried that, they just sat and looked at us as though we were stupid,'' said Gunny.

As a result, Fresh! staff are becoming resigned to the fact the birds seem set to stay - at least until the berries are gone.

"In the meantime, as silly as it sounds, we are considering colour co-ordination. After all, purple clothes won't show the stains as much; a bit of this stuff on a white shirt or blouse can really ruin your day,'' said Gunny.