The robin has been visiting the Cheshire garden centre for more than a year now, arriving in the morning and flying out at night. "He doesn't mind being around people. He loves it and, of course, he gets fed", explained marketing manager Michelle Mossford.

The bird has his favourite spots around the garden centre, where he will often sit and sing throughout the day. "Customers think it's bird music until they see him," said Ms Mossford. "At first glance you don't believe he's real and then they come and tell us that we've got a live robin in the centre, as if we didn't know."

A representative from the RSPB has been to visit the friendly robin and must have thought him happy enough after being treated to a personal performance. "The robin just sat down next to him and sang all day," laughed Ms Mossford.