DARKNESS descended over the skies of Colyton to the surprise of onlooking residents.

Jacqueline Lewis, from Station Road, witnessed the unusual sight of thousands of swallows causing the sky to turn black on Monday (September 21) between 7pm and 7.30pm.

She said: “I was in the garden and I looked up into the sky and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing – I couldn’t make it out.

“There were thousands of them.

“I have never in all my life witnessed anything like it.”

The birds were spotted heading towards the Axe Estuary on their way to Africa.

Another resident reported seeing blue martins mixed in with the flock of swallows, which are thought to have travelled from the north down through Bristol and Somerset before reaching Devon.

If anyone witnessed the event or has a picture call the Midweek Herald on (01392) 888485.