I guess birdwatchers haven't been know for their fashion sense. But that was changed in an instant one day last month.
Standing out amongst the 18,000 people who came through the doors of the Seabird Centre in April was puffin super-fan, Anne-Marie Bedwell.
Not for her the de rigueur denim and trainers of those exploring the cliff tops in search of puffins. She was as distinctive as the puffins she loves in a striking skirt printed with images of her all-time favourite.
Anne-Marie has had a passion for puffins since she was little and has a houseful of puffin-alia at her home in Ashford, Kent:
‘I used to think they were like unicorns – magical creatures that didn’t really exist. I was captivated by their lovely faces and bright beaks. They’re so different from the other seabirds and seem to have a clownish nature – I think I connected with that’.
However, she only saw her first real puffin last year on her first visit to Bempton Cliffs. Anne-Marie’s Dad, David, was with her at the time:
‘She literally jumped up and down when she spotted it. Then she sent photos to all her friends to let them know. I’ve never seen her so excited’.
Communications Officer, Maria Prchlik, said:
‘We’ve seen puffin scarves and puffin t.shirts before . And we have puffin tea towels and even puffin salt n peper pots in the gift shop, but we’ve never seen a puffin skirt until today. We’re hoping Anne-Marie will start a trend in puffin fashion - who knows, orange feet could be the next black’.
Rumour has it that puffins could be a big fashion trend in next year's spring collections.