More than 240 children and staff from five schools in the borough have helped the RSPB get an insight into the variety of birds that live in the capital.

The Croydon schools teamed up with almost 130 other primaries from across the capital to gaze out of their windows for the Big Schools' Birdwatch between January 23 and February 3.

The survey which ran alongside the national Big Garden Birdwatch took in schools' grounds and some public parks with the children's results showing a wider range of birds living in these habitats than those found in residential gardens.

The woodpigeon topped the table of the 12 most commonly spotted birds recorded by the London schoolchildren, while the great tit nested at the bottom.

Last year's bird table topper the starling was pushed into second place while the once common sparrow fell to eighth.

Tim Webb from RSPB said: "I'm delighted with the results, they've shown a huge three-fold jump in participation.

"This means that more Croydon children are being taught about birds and their environment than ever before.

"If the next generation is aware of the natural world, it will help them make sound judgements on caring for it."