Last month, you may remember that we told you all about a pair of robins that had decided to build their nest inside the dashboard of a vintage Land Rover.

Well, like a proud father, I'm happy to report that the plucky pair successfully fledged five chicks from the interior of the fully-functional four-wheel drive.

Vehicle owner Dan Skinner, 43, a UX designer based at The Lodge, said: "I feel like a proud father! Mum and dad did a great job.

"Five eggs were laid from which hatched five little chicks. They all seemed to survive the fledging period and when I came back to check on them one morning recently they'd all disappeared!"

Dan, of Whepstead, Suffolk, left his beloved ex-Army Land Rover alone for around five weeks to allow the fluffy family to fly the nest.   

Robin chicks hatch naked and are totally dependent on their parents for food and warmth.

Feather growth becomes evident with the appearance of quills at three days of age and, by day five, their eyes start to open. By this time, rows of feathers start to appear on backs and flanks too, with the body more or less feathered by day 10.

Flight feathers are the last to grow at around two weeks old, although the chicks are not able to fly for another couple of days.

Young robins are fed and protected by their parents for up to three weeks after fledging. Frequently the care of the fledged young is left to the male while the female prepares herself for the next nesting effort.

Robins normally raise two broods a year, although three is not uncommon - a fact Dan now knows all about.

"I got back in my Land Rover a couple of days ago and there was a new nest in the same place protecting three new robin eggs," he added. "It looks like mum and dad were so pleased with it they've moved back in again.

"The Landy is back on the drive until the new brood flies the nest. I'm literally giving nature a home!"