A Kent car dealer has put a cat among the pigeons in its bid to rid its forecourt of bird droppings.

Maidstone Kia has employed a pigeon fancier to makes its dealership a feather-free zone.

It is hoped the expert will be able to divert large populations of wild birds from the gleaming body work of the sales fleet and into local parks and woodlands.

Pigeon expert Jo Kerr, who has co-ordinated the project, said: "When Maidstone Kia approached me with this idea, I thought they were having a laugh.

"After all, how can you tell a wild bird where to take its toilet breaks?

"I've kept pigeons for over 40 years. I love birds and any scheme that helps people realise they're a pleasure, not a mere pest, is worth getting involved with."