A swarm of thousands of bees was removed from the garden of a Heybridge home last Thursday.

Between 15 and 20 thousand bees had to be removed by Dengie and Maldon Beekeepers, Glenn and Carlie Mayes.

Carlie, 50, secretary of Dengie and Maldon Beekeepers said: “It is very early for swarms, about a month early, but conditions have been perfect.

“The lady who called us wasn’t much fussed by the swarm but they were near a footpath that gets used a lot.

“Bees are actually quite gentle and not a threat, provided you don’t try and poke them with a stick.”