I'VE made friends with a cheeky little robin.

It has been keeping a beady eye on me clearing last year's faded plants from the garden borders.

On the first day of my gardening year I threw it a little worm I turned over - and for a few days now it has been following me around hopping from post to post in the hope I would find some more goodies.

A few years ago I had one that came onto my hand to collect specially-bought maggots.

I hope I can get this one to do the same. It's enthralling watching how they develop trust in a human who is kind, especially on the frozen mornings when worms are few and far between.

I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking about our feathered friends having a tough time.

It's no trouble to put a saucer of water and some fatty scraps out for them, is it?